Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates have signalled their intentions to make a two-pronged attack going into the Absa Premiership and CAF Champions League titles by embarking on a massive purge of players.

This comes soon after the Buccaneers announced the signing of nine new players. With more than 40 players, it was simply a matter of time before the axe fell on those deemed surplus.

On Friday, Chippa United announced the signing of Thabo Matlaba, Bernard Morrison and Thamsanqa Sangweni from the Buccaneers. City Press can on Sunday reveal that the trio are not the only ones being shipped out.

Pirates chair Irvin Khoza said striker Ayanda Nkosi and Senegalese midfielder Issa Sarr were also shown the door. The Buccaneers were also in contact with Cape Town City for the services of goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane. City missed out on the services of another former Pirates goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, who opted to join Bidvest Wits last month.

The arrival of goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo from Kaizer Chiefs necessitated Pirates offloading one goalkeeper. They already have Siyabonga Mpontshane and Wayne Sandilands fighting for the number-one spot.

The Buccaneers had earlier released Ayanda Gcaba and Riyaad Norodien, who both ended the season on loan at Platinum Stars. While Norodien has already joined City, Gcaba is expected to be unveiled by newly promoted Highlands Park.

Pirates unveiled nine of their new recruits at the club’s award ceremony on Thursday night. They are Abel Mabaso, Linda Mntambo and Paseka Mako, all from Chippa; Vincent Pule and Ben Motshwari from Bidvest Wits; Kudakwashe Mahachi from Golden Arrows; Meshack Maphangule from Black Leopards; former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Asavela Mbekile; and, finally, Khuzwayo.

Khoza said they were still after one central defender, believed to be a Brazilian.

“We will finalise the deal before the close of the window period.”

Their participation in next year’s CAF Champions League meant they would need a bigger squad.

Meanwhile, Cape Town City signed Siphelele Mthembu from Free State Stars to bolster their attack.

Mamelodi Sundowns have recruited Lyle Lakay from City and 20-year-old Tristan Moses from Chiefs’ MultiChoice Diski Shield team.