Orlando Pirates made their first signing in the off-season when they captured talented Pretoria University midfielder Phenyo Mongala.

The budding Botswana-born star is one of five key signings the Buccaneers will make before the start of the new PSL season in August.

Mongala was one of the players who impressed a number of leading PSL clubs and who helped 'AmaTuks' reach the final of the Nedbank Cup. 'Tuks' were beaten 1-0 by Moroka Swallows in the final played at the Rand Stadium recently.

Mongala is tipped as a future Botswana international star and his move to high profile Pirates will accelerated his career.

Said Bucs spokesman Mickey Modisane: "Mongala is the only player we have signed at present. However, more top signings are in the pipeline."

Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza is in England where he watched Saturday's FA Cup final at Wembley in London and is only expected back in Johannesburg later this week. He is expected to unveil new signings later this month.

Said Modisane: "It will be up to the chairman as to who we will sign. But we are in the marker for another four players.

"The chairman will make the announcement in due course when the deals are signed and sealed."

Modisane disclosed that Bucs were in the market to beef up all departments. Bucs are looking to sign a back-up goalkeeper for Moeneeb Josephs who is on duty with Bafana Bafana preparing for this month's Confederations Cup.

Bucs are also keen to sign a top class defender, a midfielder and striker in order to challenge for the league title and compete in Africa.

Said Modisane: "We were pipped at the post on goal difference for the Premiership title by SuperSport United and the chairman is looking carefully at what is available."

Bucs coach Ruud Krol, who made a big impact on the club since he joined at the start of last season, is in Holland on a well earned holiday. He stated before he left that he is keen to do well in the African Champions League next year.

As league runners up Bucs qualify automatically with champions SuperSport United for the continent's top club competition in 2010.

Pirates have a double goal next season. The first is to dethrone SuperSport for the PSL championship and emulate the Pirates team of 1995 that become the first southern African side to win the then African Champions Cup ? now renamed the African Champions League.