Abdoulaye Mariko has secured a transfer to ORBIT College from Orlando Pirates ahead of the 2026/27 season.
The 24-year-old midfielder departs the club without making his official debut, having spent last season on loan at Chippa United and then finishing the campaign at ORBIT.
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Sources have now confirmed he’s penned a permanent move, agreeing to a one-year deal with an option to extend with the club, as they look to build a squad to return back to the top-flight after suffering relegation.
Mariko was a key figure for Mali giants Djoliba prior to his move to South Africa – where he starred in their impressive CAF Champions League campaign in the 2024/25 season.
While the move to South Africa has not had the sort of trajectory expected for his career, Mariko will now be hoping the fresh start provides a platform to return to the form that earned him a move to the Buccaneers.
His namesake, remains at Pirates for the upcoming season, having, ironically, joined from the same club, during the same transfer window.
The more attacking of the duo, fared slightly better in his debut season, featuring in 12 games under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and could be poised for a more integral role this coming campaign.
Story by Lorenz Kohler (@Lorenz_KO).
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