Orlando Pirates have officially announced the signing of midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi from Stellenbosch FC, completing a move that had been widely anticipated.

The 23-year-old has signed a three-year contract with the Buccaneers and will sport the number 33 jersey during the upcoming season.

Speaking after the deal was confirmed, Mokobodi expressed his excitement about joining the Soweto giants.

“I am pleased to be here and look forward to meeting the rest of the team. It’s a big opportunity to play for such a club, and I am ready to get going. I would like to make a meaningful contribution to this great institution.”

Mokobodi’s move has been on the cards for several weeks, with Pirates long identified as the favourites to secure the defensive midfielder’s signature.

He began his professional career with Marumo Gallants during the 2023/24 season, when the club was competing in the second tier, before earning a transfer to Stellenbosch FC ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

During his season at Stellenbosch, Mokobodi featured in 28 matches across all competitions, making 13 starts. He also gained valuable continental experience with six appearances in the CAF Confederation Cup, performances that helped pave the way for his switch to Orlando Pirates.

Across his professional career, Mokobodi has made 73 senior appearances, scoring twice. Both goals came during his spell with Marumo Gallants in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, finding the net in separate fixtures against Black Leopards.

The midfielder could make his competitive debut for Orlando Pirates as early as Saturday, when the defending Betway Premiership champions begin their title defence with a home clash against newly promoted Milford FC.