The move forms part of an agreement that sees promising midfielder Mthetheli Mthiyane head in the opposite direction to join the Buccaneers after his breakthrough campaign in the top flight.

Lebitso brings a wealth of experience to the Cape Winelands after spending the last two-and-a-half seasons at Pirates, where he played an important role in one of the club's most successful periods in recent years. During his time in Soweto, the right-back helped the Buccaneers lift the Betway Premiership title, the Carling Knockout Cup, the Nedbank Cup and back-to-back MTN8 trophies.

The defender made 27 appearances in all competitions for Pirates and produced one of his standout moments in March 2024 when he scored a memorable goal against Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby.

After a bright start to his Pirates career following his move from Chippa United in January 2024, Lebitso found opportunities limited by injuries and increased competition for places, with Kamogelo Sebelebele often preferred at right-back during the previous campaign.

Confirming the signing, Stellenbosch said in a statement: "Stellenbosch Football Club is delighted to announce the acquisition of Thabiso Lebitso on a permanent transfer from Orlando Pirates."

Stellenbosch chief executive Rob Benadie believes the defender's arrival reflects the club's ambitions.

"We are pleased to welcome Thabiso to the Cape Winelands," said Benadie.

"He is a player who has consistently demonstrated his quality at the highest level of South African football and brings a valuable mix of experience and versatility to our squad.

"As a club, we continuously aim to improve and compete at the highest level, and the addition of a player of Thabiso's calibre strongly reflects that ambition."

The transfer also sees Lebitso reunite with head coach Gavin Hunt, under whom he previously worked at Chippa United, as Stellenbosch continue their preparations for the new campaign, which gets underway on the first weekend of August.

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