Sekhukhune sign Pirates defender as title ambitions soar

In a move that highlights their ambition, Sekhukhune United have bolstered their high-flying squad with the acquisition of right-back Tshepho Mashiloane from Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan.

The transfer was finalised on Tuesday night as his parent club, the Soweto giants, were securing a 1-0 victory over Siwelele FC in Bloemfontein in the Betway Premiership.

The 23-year-old right-back arrived at Pirates this season with high expectations after a standout campaign with Motsepe Foundation Championship side Baroka FC. However, his brief time with the Buccaneers was defined by limited opportunities.

Under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Mashiloane was unable to break into a crowded starting lineup, competing against seasoned veterans like Thabiso Lebitso, Deano van Rooyen, and Bandile Shandu. After just two appearances out of a possible 11, a loan was seen as the ideal solution to afford the defender valuable game time elsewhere.

A Perfect Fit for a Team on the Rise: Sekhukhune United

For Mashiloane, the move presents a golden opportunity to revitalize his career and gain crucial first-team experience at a club on the rise. He joins an ambitious Sekhukhune side that has enjoyed a blistering start to the season under coach Eric Tinkler.

Currently sitting at the summit of the log standings with a remarkable 19 points from just seven games, Babina Noko has become one of the most exciting teams to watch, boasting six wins and a single draw.

The young defender will be eager to quickly establish himself and add depth to a team that is building on its blistering form. He will have an immediate opportunity to do so when the log leaders host Chippa United, who are currently at the bottom of the table. The game is set to be staged at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Wednesday.

In a brief statement announcing the new signing, the club’s message was clear: “Defender Tshepho Mashiloane joins Sekhukhune United FC on loan from Orlando Pirates. Welcome to Babina Noko, Tshepo.”

🚨 NEW SIGNING 🚨

Defender Tshepo Mashiloane joins SEKHUKHUNE UNITED FC on loan from ORLANDO PIRATES FC ✍️⚽

Welcome to Babina Noko, Tshepo!

🦔🦔🦔#Adibahlabe#Betway2025_26Season pic.twitter.com/46WxkprnpS

— Sekhukhune United F.C. (@SekhukhuneFc) September 23, 2025