Soweto giants Orlando Pirates on Friday announced the departure of four high-profile players including striker Kermit Erasmus and Ghanaian goalkeeper Richard Ofori.
Dubbed ‘The Black Cat’, Ofori has been with the Buccaneers for three seasons while Erasmus’ second stint with Pirates lasted two campaigns.
Veteran goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane and Thabang Monare, who was part of Bafana Bafana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations squad, were also let go after four years of service.
Pirates confirmed in a statement that the quartets’ contracts expire at the end of June as the Buccaneers dubbed the veterans as “esteemed players”.
Richard Ofori
Richard joined the Mighty Buccaneers in 2020 and quickly became a cornerstone of our defence, playing 58 matches and securing 29 clean sheets. Yet, his influence extended beyond the pitch. Richard was a unifying force within the squad, and his four years here, have left us with countless positive memories.
Siyabonga Mpontshane
The 38-year-old will be leaving after nine seasons with the us. His tenure has been marked by exceptional discipline and dedication, making him one of our most respected and appreciated members of the team.
Thabang Monare
From the day he stepped foot in the club, the 34-year-old gave it his all. Desh has been the embodiment of hard work and resilience, featuring in 93 matches for the Buccaneers. Monare leaves the club with 2 Nedbank Cup, 2 MTN8 Cup and a silver medal for the CAF Confederation Cup.
Kermit Erasmus
Kermit rejoined the Buccaneers in 2022 after nine years away and made an immediate impact by helping us clinch the MTN8 title. With over 117 matches under his belt in Pirates colours, Romeo, has solidified his legendary status at the club.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to these players for their unwavering service and commitment to the club. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours.
☠️ 𝗧𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗞 𝗬𝗢𝗨 ☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) June 7, 2024
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Pirates’ recent triumph in the Nedbank Cup saw Erasmus become the most decorated player in this competition.
The nippy striker won his maiden Nedbank Cup title with SuperSport United before bagging his second with the Buccaneers and went on to claim three on the spin – becoming the first player to achieve that feat.
“THE ONLY ONE”#KE95 https://t.co/kbXw5KzNN8
— Kermit Romeo Erasmus (@Erasmus_95) June 2, 2024
Mpontshane, meanwhile, was the oldest player to represent the Buccaneers this past season at the age of 38.
The former Platinum Stars goal-minder made only one appearance where he was occupying a hybrid role of being a goalie while serving as a guide for the young Melusi Buthelezi and Sipho Chaine, who are regulars at the Buccaneers.
given Mpontshane’s age, he may choose to call hang up his gloves after trophy-laden period in his last two seasons with the Sea Robbers.
