Orlando Pirates have confirmed they are set to announce the exits of several players ahead of the new 2021/22 DStv Premiership campaign.
After finishing in third-place and qualifying for the CAF Confederation Cup, Pirates will be aiming to build on last season and challenge for silverware.
The club acted swiftly at the end of the 2020/21 campaign by securing Mandla Ncikazi from Golden Arrows into the technical team, while they're believed to have secured four new signings already.
Former Maritzburg United midfielder Bandile Shandu is said to have agreed terms with the club along with Evidence Makgopa and Goodman Mosele of Baroka and Monnapule Saleng from Free State Stars.
Speaking to the club's official website, Administrative Officer Floyd Mbele has revealed the latest happening behind the scenes at the Buccaneers.
"We met with the technical team last week and they have requested time to assess all the players, including those returning from loan before they can present their recommendations," he said.
"With respect to the players whose contracts have come to an end, contract negotiations are still ongoing. We are in advance talks with their respective representatives and will make the necessary announcements in due course."
Mbele added that several of the first-team squad and coaching staff returned to the club last week but pre-season preparations officially started on Monday, 5 July.
"Preseason training starts today however, the players and technical staff returned last week," Mbele added. "Covid testing has become the norm. All our players and staff members had to undergo testing.
"Obviously, this is not a once-off, as we are required as per the leagues' return to play protocols, to continuously test and take the necessary precautions."