Spots in the global showpiece event remain up for grabs as the October FIFA break takes center stage. The international window presents a chance for Namibia to enhance their chance of making a World Cup debut while South Africa could return to the prestigious tournament for the first time since hosting it in 2010.

Both nations will be represented by Buccaneers, with experienced winger Deon Hotto flying the Soweto Giants’ flag for the Brave Warriors. The 34-year-old has been a mainstay in Collin Benjamin’s squad and was called up once more, having contributed his third assist of the qualification campaign in a vital 3-0 over São Tome and Principe in their most recent qualifier.

While out of the automatic qualification spots, Namibia still have a chance to progress in Group H. They are second behind Tunisia – who have secured their World Cup spot – with 15 points in their eight matches and require another two in their remaining matches against Liberia and the group winners to progress to the playoffs.

Hotto will be among Benjamin’s options in their next qualifier at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia on Thursday ahead of Monday night’s trip to the Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi, where the Brave Warriors are set to meet the Lions of Carthage.

Closer to home, a larger Bucs entourage has been entrusted with restoring Bafana Bafana’s spot among the planet’s elite. A total of eight players made the cut in Hugo Broos’ 23-man squad; however, Relebohile Mofokeng has since pulled out due to an injury sustained during the Carling Knockout last 16 match against Siwelele FC. Meanwhile, Evidence Makgopa has been called up in place of Iqraam Rayners.

The contingent that makes up part of the squad tasked with lifting South Africa back to top spot in Group H, having slipped down to second after a points deduction.

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine is among the selected players, along with the defensive duo of Bucs captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and his deputy Mbekezeli Mbokazi. Further up the field, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, and Tshepang Moremi all make up the rest of the Pirates players in the squad.

All seven stand to feature in games against Zimbabwe and Rwanda, set to be played within South African shores in Durban and Mbombela.

FIFA World Cup Qualifiers (Selected Fixtures)

Thursday, 9 October

Liberia vs Namibia at Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex – 18:00

Friday, 10 October

Zimbabwe vs South Africa at Moses Mabhida Stadium – 18:00

Monday, 13 October

Tunisia vs Namibia at Stade Olympique Hammadi Agrebi – 15:00

Tuesday, 14 October

South Africa vs Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium – 18:00

All times are SAST.

The 25-year-old secures the award by getting 38% of the votes, beating teammates Oswin Appollis and last month’s winner Mbekezeli Mbokazi who amassed 21% and 13% of the votes respectively.

A month ago, some sections of the Bucs faithful doubted him, but Moremi has silenced critics in style and has shown that you can’t keep a good man down when he announced himself with a heroic brace and an assist in the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC.

He went on to end the month with four goals and two assists across all competitions.

Following a thrilling opening round of the competition, Pirates emerged amongst the eight teams to progress to the last eight. They defeated tournament debutants Siwelele in their Round of 16 clash held at Orlando Stadium with Mbekezeli Mbokazi providing the solitary strike in what was a drama-filled encounter.

After securing their spot in the next round, they’re set to host the team that prevented them from progressing past the first round in the competition’s previous edition.

Magesi made their mark in domestic cup football with a giant-killing run in the 2024/25 Carling Knockout, where they went on to lift their first major title. Their journey towards that honour began at Orlando Stadium, where they staged a remarkable upset in racing to a three-goal lead on the halfway mark before withstanding a late surge from the hosts to clinch a 3-2 win.

That result proved to be a catalyst for a successful run in the competition, concluded with a 2-1 win against one of the pre-tournament favourites in Mamelodi Sundowns.

Having edged past AmaZulu in the first round of this year’s competition, they now face an in-form Pirates side looking to clinch their second trophy of the 2025/26 season midway through the ongoing campaign.

The Buccaneers penned their name among the last eight teams standing, and now have an opportunity to take another significant step towards ending a 14-year long League Cup drought.

They will have experienced the disappointment that comes with an early exit, and will look to rectify things against the same side that was responsible for their most recent elimination.

The dramatic Round of 16 fixture at Orlando Stadium produced an identical scoreline to the previous clash between the two sides, with the Soweto Giants eventually scaling a tricky first hurdle in their bid for another piece of silverware to their collection.

A little over a week after contesting a tight league fixture in Bloemfontein, Pirates and Siwelele delivered a thrilling start to proceedings in Soweto. The game’s first big moment came just after the third minute when Bucs striker Evidence Makgopa was brought down by Keabetswe Khonyane inside the visitors’ penalty area.

Just as he did against TS Galaxy in midweek, he stepped up to the spot but was a few inches off target this time around, only succeeding in striking the upright with goalkeeper Samukelo Xoki well beaten.

Makgopa was again fouled by the same player moments later, resulting in a Pirates free kick just in front of the visitors’ goal. It was another spurned opportunity, with Tshepang Moremi’s shot flying well off target.

Siwelele continued to absorb the pressure from the home side and nearly edged ahead in the 16th minute when Samir Nurkovic misplaced his headed attempt from close range. That was the first of two first-half chances for the Serb, who was comfortably denied by Sipho Chaine with his next effort.

With the Buccaneers failing to make much of their dominance in possession, they were nearly made to regret their wasted chances as Grant Margeman effected a turnover in the middle of the park before going centimetres wide with a right-footed shot from range.

A free kick late in the opening period afforded the hosts a last-gasp opportunity at going into the break in the lead. It was not to be, as Deon Hotto’s effort was kept out by the diving Samukelo Xulu.

A change in the Buccaneers midfield was made on the break with Abdoulaye Mariko replacing Sihle Nduli. The Malian was immediately in the thick of the action as he forced Xulu into a save with a shot from outside the penalty area. They continued to make regular forays upfield, but the opposition defence remained equal to the task.

Having frustrated the home side for well over an hour, Siwelele had some bright moments of their own as the clock wound down. Replacement striker Chibuike Ohizu managed to get the better of captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi out on the flank but could not find a way past Chaine who had his near post well covered.

The Bucs shot-stopper remained alert between the posts as he later denied Gamphani Lungu, who had done well to turn possession over on the flank before attempting to sneak one into the back of the net.

Extra time loomed on the horizon, but the hosts were able to have the final say. It was the skipper who came up with the moment of magic, strolling in from the halfway line before producing a left-footed rocket that left Xulu stunned on its way to the back of the net.

With the breakthrough arriving with just three minutes left on the clock, it sparked a desperate surge from the men in green. They however failed to find the equaliser, with Pirates sealing a crucial cup win ahead of the upcoming FIFA break.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli (Mariko 46’), Nemtajela, Appollis (Mbule 78’),Mofokeng (Sebelebele 61’), Moremi, Makgopa (Mabasa 61’)

The Buccaneers will be aiming to head into the upcoming international break with a spot in the quarter-finals secured as they come up against the tournament debutants. However, the unpredictability of knockout football means progressing is not a guarantee, with their opponents equally eager to make their mark in the competition.

In a second cup outing in seven days at Orlando Stadium and a chance for the hosts to launch another charge towards silverware, with the visiting side offering a tricky hurdle first up.

The Opposition

Siwelele’s introduction to the top level of South African football has so far only consisted of involvement in the league with no cup fixtures yet. Their first couple of months as a top flight outfit have been somewhat of a rude awakening, with six of their nine outings ending in defeat.

Their most recent result was a rare victory at home to Bloemfontein rivals Marumo Gallants. The outcome of that derby indicates a possible turn around in fortunes, ending a seven-match winless run where they only succeeded to avoid defeat just once.

They look ahead to their first cup outing with a degree of confidence, while also boasting a capable squad littered with players who have the necessary know-how as far as navigating knockout football is concerned.

Siwelele will get another injection of experience in the form of Serbian striker Samir Nurkovic, who is available for selection after serving a red-card suspension. Meanwhile, veteran defender Nyiko Mobbie remains sidelined after picking up an injury that has kept him out of action for the past month.

Bucs Team News

While their visitors go into the clash on the back of a crucial victory, winning momentum is firmly with the home side heading into Saturday.

Pirates continued their remarkable run of victories with a 2-0 league win at home to TS Galaxy in midweek, stretching their streak to seven games in all competitions. During this period, they have clinched a fourth consecutive MTN8 title while also progressing in the CAF Champions League.

Lying ahead for Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men is another attempt at embarking on a deep run in the one domestic cup competition where they have faltered over the years. They go in as favourites for many but will be wary of the threat posed by the debutants, having slipped up in similar circumstances in the previous edition of the tournament.

Changes could be made on Saturday, following a high-tempo match in midweek, with the likes of Oswin Appollis and Tshegofatso Mabasa among those that could get a longer run after producing lively cameos on Tuesday night.

Head-to-Head

Saturday’s fixture will be Siwelele’s first visit to Orlando Stadium, with the two sides also facing off in knockout football for the first time since the visitors’ recent rebrand.

Their only previous encounter – a league fixture played in Bloemfontein late last month  – finished in favour of the Buccaneers, with Appollis’ 80th minute winner handing them all three points via a dramatic 1-0 victory.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match is scheduled to kick off at 15:00 with SuperSport PSL and SABC 1 providing live coverage. You can also keep an eye on the action by following live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the game are available online on OpenTickets, as well as selected outlets nationwide.

Flying the Buccaneers’ flag on the international stage will be:

• Sipho Chaine
• Mbekezeli Mbokazi
• Nkosinathi Sibisi
• Thalente Mbatha
• Oswin Appollis
• Sipho Mbule
• Tshepang Moreni
• Relebohile Mofokeng

Just missing out on the final cut were Kamogelo Sebelebele, Patrick Masangwanyi, and Evidence Makgopa, who were part of the preliminary squad but will not feature in the upcoming fixtures.

South Africa’s qualification campaign begins with a high-stakes showdown against Zimbabwe on Friday, 10 October 2025, at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

Four days later, Bafana Bafana will travel north to take on Rwanda on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, as they look to lay down an early marker on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

September ended on a high note as the Mighty Buccaneers claimed a 2–0 victory over TS Galaxy in their Betway Premiership clash last night, a result that lifted the team to third place on the league table.

Abdeslam Ouaddou and his charges have recorded an undefeated run for the month having played five official matches across three competitions – including a historic MTN8 Cup triumph courtesy of a 3-0 win over Stellenbosch FC.

Here’s a recap of September and the nominees.

Sipho Chaine

An unsung hero between the sticks, Sipho has been outstanding all month. The Bafana Bafana international has played a crucial role in Pirates’ unbeaten run, keeping five consecutive clean sheets. His tally for the 2025/26 season now stands at nine clean sheets from thirteen matches.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Fast becoming Mr Reliable at centre back, Mbokazi continues to produce impressive performances for the team alongside Lebone Seema. Together they form one of the youngest and most solid defensive pairings in the league.

Lebone Seema

Quiet and unassuming off the pitch, Seema’s performances have been anything but. The young defender has produced consistent, composed displays throughout September, cementing his place in the squad.

Deon Hotto

After a slow start to the season, Hotto proved in September why he should never be written off. The Namibian international played his part in Pirates’ defensive resilience and capped it off with a superb assist for Tshegofatso Mabasa’s goal in the match against TS Galaxy.

Tshepang Moremi

A month ago, some sections of the Bucs faithful doubted him, but Moremi has silenced critics in style. He announced himself with a heroic brace and an assist in the MTN8 final and finished the month with four goals and two assists across all competitions.

Oswin Appollis

Appollis has scored two goals and two assists in the month of September, including match-winner in Orlando Pirates’ 1-0 victory over Siwelele in the Betway Premiership.

Sihle Nduli

Ever-present Sihle Nduli has become metronomic in his displays this month. The 30-year-old who missed out on the MTN8 final last season playing for Stellenbosch but since joining the Buccaneers, he has now added the MTN8 gong to his cabinet.

Tshegofatso Mabasa

Mabasa continues his march towards history. With four goals in September, the Bucs marksman has now reached 50 goals for Orlando Pirates – just eight shy of the all-time record held by club legend Benedict Vilakazi.

How to Vote?

Supporters can cast their votes for the Player of the Month via https://orlandopirates.forms.app/sept-potm

Voting closes at 17h00 on Monday, 6 October 2025, after which the winner will be announced

The 28-year-old entered the fray in the second half and secured three points for the Buccaneers deep in injury time with a header from close range. In doing so, he brought up his 50th goal in all competitions while donning the famous black and white of the Soweto Giants.

This placed him second behind former club captain Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi, who leads an illustrious list of Bucs goal scorers in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era.

Speaking to Orlandopiratesfc.com after the match, the man affectionately known as the “Sniper” described the magical feeling that comes with reaching the landmark.

“It’s a surreal feeling honestly,” Mabasa said. “It’s what dreams are made of – the support that one has got from teammates, technical team and management has really made it easy for me to accomplish what I have so far with the club.”

Having debuted for Pirates a little over six years ago, Mabasa has been a consistent feature on the scoresheet. He won the league’s Golden Boot after netting an impressive 16 goals in the 2023/24 campaign, and has made a habit of finding the net in cup finals.

Those title-winning moments rank high among his favourites in Bucs colours.

“I think the goals that I’ve scored in finals,” he said when quizzed on his standout moments. “And maybe the one away to Al Ahly in Cairo, because they were goals of significance and helped the team to win, but the important ones were the ones in finals to achieve history with the club.”

With one milestone achieved, Mabasa is well on track to another significant mark. He is now just eight goals behind Vilakazi and could add to his tally when Pirates take to Orlando Stadium once more in Saturday’s Carling Knockout encounter against Siwelele.

It was a fifth consecutive league win for the Buccaneers, who surged from eighth place to third in the standings. In the process, they ended their visitors’ five-match unbeaten streak with a dominant performance in front of a lively home crowd.

In another midweek outing in Soweto, the hosts went on the charge immediately after the first whistle. They could have altered the scoreline as early as the third minute when Tshepang Moremi struck the upright with a firmly hit left-footed shot after getting on the end of a swift counter.

The Buccaneers maintained that sense of urgency throughout the first quarter with Kamogelo Sebelebele firing wide after cutting in from the flank in the 13th minute. They went more direct moments later, working their way into the box where midfielder Masindi Nemtajela was brought down by Mlungisi Mbunjana, with the referee not hesitating to point to the spot.

Evidence Makgopa was the man tasked with spot-kick duties and did not err in expertly guiding the ball past goalkeeper Ira Tapé into the back of the net for a deserved opener.

One goal could have quickly led to two as Sebelebele remained a menace against his former team. He was nicely teed up near the edge of the box, but could only draw a save off Tapé. It took him seconds to produce a similar effort, this time inside the penalty area, where he forced the Ivorian shot-stopper into another save.

Galaxy meanwhile grew into the game as the half-hour mark approached, but did not pose sufficient threat with their chances at goal.

Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine was unchallenged as Puso Dithejane fired straight with a shot from inside the box, while veteran midfielder Mpho Mvelase failed to put enough power behind his header from point-blank range.

Chances died down at both ends towards the break before Pirates emerged out the tunnel for the second period looking the more refreshed of the two sides. Their initial chances were off the boots of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who both failed to find the target while Deon Hotto managed to place his shot on target, but without connecting well enough to trouble Tapé. Moremi also had two quick fire opportunities around the hour mark, but the second goal remained elusive.

There was another bright moment late 10 minutes from the final whistle for Hotto, who showed excellent pace in working himself into space before drawing a save from the Rockets gloveman. Meanwhile, a relatively quiet second half for Chaine was disturbed late in regulation time when he was called to deny substitute attacker Mory Keita in a one-on-one situation.

That save proved very crucial, with Pirates putting the result beyond doubt deep in injury time. This was thanks to some excellent work on the left from Hotto, who linked up with Mofokeng before laying the ball for replacement striker Tshegofatso Mabasa who headed past Tapé to make it 2-0.

That last-gasp strike provided much-needed relief for the hosts, who had only seconds to navigate en route to bringing up yet another victory in their last league outing before the upcoming international break.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Nemtajela, Mofokeng, Sebelebele (Appollis 60’), Moremi (Mbule 84’), Makgopa (Mabasa 60’).

Just two days after progressing in the CAF Champions League, focus quickly shifts back to the league for the Buccaneers. They play hosts to the Rockets, who are among the in-form teams at this stage of the Premiership campaign.

The stage is set for what promises to be another exciting battle for three points between two sides whose season has followed a similar pattern.

The Opposition

With one point separating the Rockets from their hosts, they make the trip to Soweto sitting higher up in the standings. This is after an impressive turnaround in form after kicking the 2025/26 league season off with back-to-back defeats.

Having got off the mark rather emphatically on the third game week, they have gone on a five-match unbeaten run where they have bagged 13 out of an available 15 league points to take up fifth place on the log.

Seven of the Rockets’ league points have been collected away from home where they defeated Chippa United and Orbit College before their winning run was interrupted by a stalemate against Richards Bay. They only failed to register an away point in a defeat to Sekhukhune United, and are currently the league’s top scorers on the road with eight goals scored and four conceded in four matches.

The match at Orlando Stadium could be yet another one they’re forced to navigate without experienced striker Sedwyn George, who has been kept out of action by an ankle injury sustained in August.

Bucs Team News

Much like their opponents, Pirates have maintained their commendable form of late as they secured a spot in the next round of the Champions League with an emphatic 4-0 win at home to Lesotho champions Lioli on Saturday. It was their sixth straight win in all competitions, and their return to the Premiership presents a chance to take their league winning streak to five games.

They’ve collected 12 league points during this stretch of victories without conceding and found their way to eighth place in the standings, having occupied the lower half of the table in the initial stages of their campaign.

Despite finding their stride in recent weeks, the Buccaneers’ free-scoring exploits elsewhere are yet to be transferred to their home league fixtures. They have found the net just twice in three league games played at Orlando Stadium, going down 1-0 to Sekhukhune before producing similar scorelines in their favour in claiming three points against each of Stellenbosch and Orbit College.

Following another tight win on the road in their most recent Premiership outing, the Soweto Giants could be tasked with producing more of the same grit against a stubborn Galaxy outfit.

They have some injury concerns heading into the fixture, with Relebohile Mofokeng among the doubtful starters for Tuesday’s match after sitting out the clash against Lioli.

Head-to-Head

Since first crossing paths in the 2020/21 season, Pirates and Galaxy have clashed 10 times with all their competitive encounters occurring in the league.

It is the Buccaneers who hold a slight upper hand in those five seasons, having emerged on the winning side five times while losing just three times. However, the Rockets will take some heart from their last visit to Orlando, where they salvaged a point through a last-gasp equaliser in a match that finished with a 1-1 score.

It was a rare away point in this fixture for the men from Mpumalanga as they halted a three match losing streak on the road against the Soweto Giants. Their only other away stalemate was achieved in the very first encounter between the two sides when Masilakhe Phohlongo cancelled out an early strike from Bongani Sam.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 and can be streamed live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will be available across all Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match can be purchased online on OpenTickets as well as selected retail outlets nationwide.

A convincing 7-0 aggregate score sent the Soweto Giants cantering into the Second Preliminary Round, while capping a brief return to the continental competition for the Lesotho Champions. It brought the 1995 African champions a step closer to the group stage of the prestigious tournament, with the winner of the tie between St Eloi Lupopo and Al-Merrikh awaiting in the next round.

Three goals to the good halfway through the tie, the hosts looked to pick up where they left off in what was a dominant first-leg display. They immediately set up camp deep in the Lesotho champion’s territory, where midfielder Sipho Mbule produced the game’s first real opportunity with a looping header from a set piece which landed over the crossbar.

Lioli needed a bit of a helping hand from the Buccaneers in order to get their first chance, and it came in the form of a misplaced pass which helped the visitors turn possession over in a dangerous area. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was however able to get a crucial touch to stop the attack, with Sihle Nduli producing the clearance.

The Buccaneers remained the more dominant of the two sides and could have gone ahead just before the half-hour mark. This was when Evidence Makgopa was allowed space to shoot on the edge of the box, only to direct his effort inches wide of the target.

One of their best chances in the first half came in the 36th minute when Kamogelo Sebelebele made a storming run down the flank before linking with Oswin Appollis, who misdirected his shot from in front of goal with goalkeeper William Huni left with some ground to cover to make a save.

A foul on Sebelebele presented the home side a last-gasp opportunity to extend their aggregate lead at the end of the opening period. The resultant free kick, taken just outside the penalty area was taken by Tshepang Moremi who produced a brilliant left-footed curling shot into the back of the net, leaving Huni rooted to his spot.

Having ensured that their visitors had an uphill climb for what was effectively the last quarter of the two-legged tie, Pirates made the chase even steeper two minutes after the second-half restart. Moremi doubled his tally on the day with a long-range effort, helped along by sloppy goalkeeping from Huni who found the bounce from the shot extra tricky as the ball slid past him into the net.

Mbule had a chance from a set piece, and went narrowly wide before replacement forward Yanela Mbuthuma failed to curl one past Huni after turning possession over deep in Lioli territory.

The striker would be the one to open the floodgates, as he got off the mark in Bucs colours in the 78th minute when he linked up with fellow substitute Thabiso Lebitso to make it 3-0 on the day. Mbuthuma was not done, with only two more minutes lapsing before he brought up his brace with a poacher’s effort from just in front of goal following a scramble inside the Lioli penalty area.

That placed the Buccaneers well clear on aggregate, with the visitors needing at least seven goals with less than 10 minutes remaining in their efforts to stay in the game. Substitute goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi had no issues dealing with the odd attack launched in his direction, but it was his opposite number Huni who remained the busier of the two glovemen.

The Lesotho international kept out a goal-bound shot from midfielder Masindi Nemtajela, but only in the direction of Mbuthuma whose attempt at bringing up his hat-trick was thwarted by the upright.

That only succeeded in sparing the visitors further blushes, with Pirates walking away with a commanding 7-0 aggregate win on their return to continental action. 

Pirates XI: Chaine (Buthelezi 52’), Seema, Sibisi, Sebelebele, Ndaba, Nduli (Nemtajela 46’), Mbule, Dansin (Maswanganyi 57’), Appollis (Lebitso 69’), Moremi, Makgopa (Mbuthuma 52’).

The Buccaneers hold all the aces in their match-up against the reigning Lesotho champions, following their win in the away leg at Free State Stadium.

Football has, however been known to spring up a few surprises, and both sets of players will head to Soweto knowing that the battle is far from over.

The Opposition

Unlike Pirates, who turned out in Betway Premiership action in midweek, Lioli have had a week-long rest between fixtures. Tse Nala’s first leg defeat was their first loss in competitive action since losing a league fixture to Lesotho Defence Force in February.

They have since gone on to win 11 out of 14 games, bagging a second consecutive league title in the process while only conceding six goals and finding the net 24 times.

The defeat to the Buccaneers was the first time they conceded three times in one match since a league stalemate against Matlama late in the 2024/25 season.

They are now set to play their first competitive fixture on the road this season when they square up against the Buccaneers in a bid to rescue their continental campaign.

While odds are stacked against them the Lesotho outfit has proven to be decent travellers in recent years, having suffered just one defeat on the road in each of their last two league campaigns. They will retain some confidence heading into the second leg, with the hopes of staging a rare upset against the 1995 champions.

Bucs Team News

For the Buccaneers, Saturday’s fixture is a matter of continuing their good form of late. They are coming off a hard-fought midweek win in the Betway Premiership, where Oswin Appollis’ late strike handed them all three points away to Siwelele in what was a second successive fixture at Free State Stadium.

They have now won five consecutive games in all competitions, doing so without conceding while netting an impressive 11 goals. They return to Orlando Stadium for the first time since producing a tight league victory over Orbit College a month to the day, and will be determined to avoid any slip-ups against the Lesotho champions.

Firmly on the driving seat ahead of the second leg, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou could be tempted to rotate his charges for the fixture, with the likes of Masindi Nemtajela and Tshepang Moremi possibly getting starts after impressing with cameo appearances over the past few weeks.

Head-to-Head

The first leg in Bloemfontein was the first ever encounter between the two sides, largely due to Lioli’s absence from continental football over the years.

A brace from Tshegofatso Mabasa, along with a late strike from Oswin Appollis, ensured that there would be breathing space for the Soweto Giants heading into their decisive home leg.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00 with the match set to be broadcast live on SABC 1 and SABC Radio. Live updates will also be posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.

Tickets to attend the match are available online on OpenTickets as well as selected outlets nationwide.

The victory made it four Premiership wins and as many clean sheets in a row with a gritty effort on the road. It’s a result that propelled them from eighth place to fourth in the standings with more midweek league action still to come.

Having remained in Bloemfontein after the weekend’s CAF Champions League triumph, the Buccaneers quickly assumed control of possession without creating any significant opportunities. The opening exchanges did feature some half chances, with the home side getting the first of the lot when Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was called into action in the seventh minute after  a set piece delivered by Pogiso Sanoka swung dangerously close to the goal line.

Pirates hit back with an attack of their own, getting close to an early opener when Deon Hotto’s cross from the left found Relebohile Mofokeng who did not connect well enough to direct the ball on target. Thalente Mbatha followed up with a wayward effort from outside the box moments before Tshegofatso Mabasa achieved a similar result with a header flick from another Hotto cross.

It was not all quiet at the other end, where Chibuike Ohizu threatened with a header from inside the box in the 15th minute. Siwelele remained in Pirates territory with Vincent Pule fancying a shot from range, only to fire wide of the target.

A set piece late in the first half yielded a chance for Patrick Maswanganyi, whose volleyed shot from the edge of the box was directed straight at Siwelele goalkeeper Ricardo Goss. That summed up a frustrating first 45 minutes for the Buccaneers, who had struggled for rhythm throughout the opening half.

The lack of clear chances spilled over into the second period as the home side maintained their defensive discipline. Second-half sub Oswin Appollis managed to deliver a line-breaking pass for Mofokeng, who did well to turn on the edge of the box, only to land his shot narrowly wide of the target.

Appollis had a chance of his own through a 77th minute free kick taken in front of the Siwelele goal, going narrowly close with his effort at goal.

The Bucs forward did not have to wait much longer to make the breakthrough as he once again made a telling impact on the game. He got on the end of a flicked pass from Evidence Makgopa before slotting home past Goss from the edge of the box.

This set up a frantic finish with the home side immediately setting off in search of the equaliser. Christian Saile had the goal in his sights from point-blank range, but Chaine was in the perfect position to make a save.

A late free kick afforded the men in green a last-gasp opportunity at stealing a point, and it looked as if they would draw level following an awkward bounce. Chaine was however able to readjust, sticking a foot out to direct the ball out of play.

It was then left for Pirates to control matters and preserve their lead and they did so successfully in the end, claiming three more points to continue their ascent up the standings.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto, Nduli, Mbatha (Appollis 46’), Maswanganyi (Dansin 46’), Sebelebele (Moremi 58’), Mofokeng (Nemtajela 84’), Mabasa (Makgopa 72’).

Free State Stadium will once again play hosts to the Buccaneers, who run out in their first league outing in September. They visit one of the top-flight’s newest names, with the two teams kicking off the week’s league action.

It’s a fixture that could produce sparks, with the visitors looking to add three more points to their tally ahead of their return to Soweto, while the hosts are determined to make the most of home comforts with a big performance that could turn their season around.

The Opposition

A promising start to life in the Premiership lasted just one game for Siwelele, who have only managed to add one point to the three earned in their season opener at home to Lamontville Golden Arrows. Five defeats and a single draw since the first game week have seen them drop near the bottom of the table in 14th place.

Their last outing was the latest in a string of disappointing results, as they played the majority of the match with 10 men en route to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Magesi. This stretched their goalless streak to six matches, the longest such run in the league currently.

With all three goals coming in the victory against Arrows, Siwelele’s quest to end their goal drought has been compounded by the unavailability of experienced striker Samir Nurkovic. The red card earned by the Serbian against Magesi rules him out for two matches, starting with the clash against the Buccaneers.

They will also be without their leading goal scorer Siviwe Magidigidi, along with fellow forward Thabang Mahlangu, with both players on national duty with South Africa’s Under-20 men’s squad.

Bucs Team News

Meanwhile, Pirates recent run of results has been a direct contrast to that of their hosts. They go into their midweek assignment fresh off a convincing 3-0 victory over Lesotho’s Lioli in the opening round of the CAF Champions League.

It was their third such result in as many games, having also inflicted similar defeats to Chippa United and Stellenbosch in the Premiership and the MTN8 final, respectively.

Aside from their impressive form in front of goal, the Buccaneers’ success in recent weeks has been a result of their discipline at the back. They are on a run of four consecutive clean sheets across competitions, and sit among the teams with the least goals conceded in the league this season.

Ahead of their visit to Bloemfontein, the Soweto Giants are eighth in the standings and are in search of their fourth straight league victory. Three points on the night could take them as high as fourth place with a game in hand – a sharp turnaround from what was a difficult start to their league season.

They recently welcomed club skipper Nkosinathi Sibisi back from injury and await the return of Deano van Rooyen, while Selaelo Rasebotja and Thabiso Sesane are also recovering from injuries that have kept them out of action during the early stages of the campaign.

Head-to-Head

In a match-up between one of the league’s oldest clubs and the youngest, Tuesday’s clash will mark the beginning of a new rivalry as Pirates and Siwelele cross paths for the first time in history.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 19:30 with the game set to be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL. You can also follow the action as it happens by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates social media platforms.

Tickets to attend the fixture are available for purchase online on TicketPro and selected outlets nationwide.

The Round of 16 draw took place at FNB Stadium on Monday afternoon, with the Buccaneers placed among the seeded teams following their second-place finish in the Premiership last season.

They were drawn against one of the debutants in South Africa’s League Cup, who could be counted among the dark horses in this year’s competition. It’s the men in green who will be tasked with travelling for the fixture, with the Soweto Giants drawn as hosts for this stage of the competition.

They will be looking to recapture the one title that has eluded them in recent years, with their last triumph dating back to 2011 when they defeated Bidvest Wits in the final. They have featured in two finals since then, twice emerging on the losing side as they fell to Platinum Stars in 2013 before going down on penalties against Baroka five years later.

Despite their proven cup pedigree, Pirates have failed to make it past the quarter-finals since the Carling Knockout’s rebranding under a new sponsor. They were eliminated in the Last Eight by Richards Bay, who triumphed through penalties in 2023, before another upset at the hands of eventual champions Magesi in the opening round the following year.

Now set to begin their campaign at home for a third season running, they face the challenge of a Siwelele side whom they will get their first feel off in Tuesday night’s league encounter at Free State Stadium.

The Carling Knockout Round of 16 fixtures get underway on 18 October, with further details set to be announced at a later stage.

The Soweto Giants are firmly in the driving seat in their bid to clear their first hurdle as they look to make another appearance in the group stage of the prestigious competition. This is after a commanding display on the road, where they set up an uphill climb for the Lesotho champions ahead of the deciding leg at Orlando Stadium.

In attempting to avoid an early slip-up in the opening round of the competition, Pirates were rather cautious in their approach early on. They had a chance five minutes in through the boot of Thalente Mbatha, who directed his shot just wide from outside the box after patient build-up play brought the action deep into opposition territory.

Possession and territorial dominance remained with the visitors without yielding much to raise decibel levels from the crowd that had showed up for the encounter. This continued until midway through the first period when Thabiso Lebitso and Oswin Appollis were played clear within moments of each other, with neither managing to send the net bulging.

The breakthrough continued to elude Pirates despite their bright start, and they could have edged ahead on the half-hour mark when Sipho Mbule headed at goal from inside the box only to find the eager hands of Lioli goalkeeper William Huni, who was positioned perfectly for an easy save.

Huni’s opposite number, Sipho Chaine was even less troubled at the other end – only called upon to collect loose balls that posed no significant threat as the hosts only made their way upfield through opportunistic counter attacks.

With the halftime whistle closing in, the Buccaneers intensified their efforts to go ahead on the scoreboard, but could not break the deadlock. This was despite goal attempts from Mbatha and Sihle Nduli, who both directed their shots off target.

Following a frustrating first half, Pirates were more lively at the start of the second period. Their approach eventually yielded the desired result as they got on the board just eight minutes after the restart.

The breakthrough was provided by striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, who netted his 48th goal in the club’s colours when he headed in from the near post following a corner kick. It only took the 28-year-old another three minutes to add one more to his tally, this time connecting with Mofokeng before expertly guiding the ball past Huni in completing his brace.

He could have made it three on the day if not for a misplaced header, as he got on the end of a pinpoint cross from Tshepang Moremi before going wide.

With their tails up, the Soweto Giants continued to place the Lesotho champions under immense pressure. Chances at edging further ahead fell to second-half substitutes Tshepang Moremi and Kabelo Dlamini, who both failed to alter the scoreline.

Just as it looked like Pirates were content with a two-goal advantage, Appollis produced the goods in injury time as he finished with a first-time shot from just inside the box to create more daylight between the two sides heading into the second leg.

His goal gave the Buccaneers extra breathing room in the tie, which is set to be decided in more familiar territory at Orlando Stadium in seven days’ time.Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso, Hotto (Ndaba 68’), Nduli (Nemtajela 68’), Mbatha (Dansin 46’), Mbule (Moremi 46’), Appollis, Mofokeng (Dlamini 76’), Mabasa

The Soweto Giants kick things off in the First Preliminary Round of the prestigious tournament as they look to take another step towards a second consecutive appearance in the group stage. This is after an impressive run last time out, when they made it all the way to the semifinals.

Standing in their way first up this season is a relatively unknown quantity in continental football circles in the form of the men from the Mountain Kingdom. They pose a potential banana peel for the 1995 champions at a stage of the competition that has occasionally delivered some upsets.

Geographically, the two sides are not based too far from each other but will be crossing paths for only the first time in their history. With their two-legged tie set to shape the rest of each side’s season, Orlandopiratesfc.com takes an in-depth look at the Buccaneers’ next opponents.

Recent Form: W-W-D-W-W

Unlike Pirates, who are well into the 2025/26 season, the Lesotho outfit have only just begun theirs and go into Saturday’s encounter with just one competitive match played. They kicked off their campaign with a 5-0 win over newly-promoted Members – a convincing result that saw them shoot up to the top of the standings.

It was a continuation of their form from the latter stages of the previous campaign where they went on an impressive unbeaten run stretching from late February to the final match day on 24 May.

With four wins and a single draw in their last five fixtures, they boast an impressive 11 goals during this period and have proven difficult to score against, having only let in one goal. They conceded more than one goal on just four occasions across their previous league campaign and will want to carry that discipline at the back into what will likely be the biggest test of their defensive steel.

Structure and Stability

While Lioli’s near-impenetrable backline forms the foundation of their success, they have been just as sharp up front. They averaged just shy of two goals per match in the 2024/25 league season, inflicting massive defeats on the likes of Mzamane and ACE Maseru.

In 60 matches played across the two most recent league campaigns, they have hit the 100-goal mark while conceding just 29 goals.

Pirates however, presents a different proposition, and a varied approach will be required if Tse Nala are to advance past the first round. The Lesotho outfit have often utilised a dynamic 4-3-3 formation, and could be forced into a more conservative strategy against the Buccaneers possession-based attacking play.

Lioli’s trusted defence could frustrate the Soweto Giants, while the width and speed provided by wingers such as Hlalifele Moqokola and Tholang Makuru will be a threat on the counter.

Continental Record

Founded in 1932, Tse Nala are among the oldest teams participating in the Champions League. They have a brief history in continental competition, despite being one of Lesotho’s most successful teams over the years.

Lioli’s only previous appearance in the Champion League came in the 2016/17 edition. They encountered Zimbabwe’s CAPS United, with their involvement going only as far as the opening round as they lost 2-1 on aggregate after losing with all goals scored in the tie coming in defeat suffered in their away leg.

Lesotho international Tsepo Seturumane netted what remains their only goal in the competition, but new heroes could emerge in the current crop as they look to make history in Africa’s premier club competition.

Players to Watch

Litšepe Marabe: An experienced winger with an eye goal, the former Lesotho international has a top-flight golden boot to his name and is among the main attacking threats for the hosts. He comes into Saturday’s match in good form, having bagged a brace in Lioli’s season opener.

Thabang Klaas: Boasting even more experience is former Polokwane City and Free State Stars fullback Thabang Klaas, who has run out against the Buccaneers during his stint at the former. In a game where the hosts could employ the counter, the 32-year-old will be important at both ends of the pitch.

William Huni: Key to Lioli’s defensive supremacy in the domestic league, the experienced goalkeeper has been one of his side’s best players. He was named the league’s top gloveman following his exploits in the title-winning season and will be eager to transfer his domestic form to the all-important tie against the Buccaneers.

About Lioli

Based just 184km east of Bloemfontein in Teyateyaneng, Lioli are one of the oldest surviving professional teams in Southern Africa.

Their first league triumph came in 1985 and they have gone on to win a total of seven titles, making them the second most successful team in Lesotho. Apart from league success, Tse Nala have enjoyed lengthy cup runs, adding five more trophies to their cabinet.

They head into their clash against Pirates amid a period of dominance, having won back-to-back league titles for the second time in their history.

Under the mentorship of South African tactician Bongani Maseko, Lioli may be kicking their Champions League campaign as clear underdogs, but boast a confident batch of players’ who have established themselves as serial winners in their domestic league.

The 1995 champions are fresh off domestic cup success, and now set their sights on scaling continental heights. The group of players that conquered the MTN8 will now be tasked with achieving a similar feat in Africa’s most prized club competition, with some sporting different numbers on the back of their shirts. This is to comply with CAF regulations, which allow numbers 1 to 40 to be used during the tournament.

While most squad members retain their squad numbers, there has also been some shuffling around with some players set to show up in different digits to those assigned to them for domestic action.

Among the newly-signed players, Sihle Nduli takes over the number 8 jersey as he vacates the number 30 for fellow midfielder Cemran Dansin. Sipho Mbule meanwhile swaps his number 23 for the number 22, with defender Siyabonga Ndlozi taking over the former.

Further changes include the number 4 jersey which has been handed over to Abdoulaye Mariko, while the number 13 has been assigned to Nkosikhona Ndaba.

Among outfield players returning for their another continental campaign with the Soweto Giants, Patrick Maswanganyi retains the number 10, having worn it the previous season. His number 28 will be taken over by fellow Thembisa native, Kamogelo Sebelebele.

Like Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng also keeps his number 3 shirt from the last campaign, while striker Boitumelo Radiopane takes on the 33 jersey, having worn number 42 in league and domestic cup competition. Bucs number 37 Thabiso Lebitso will take over the 14 jersey, with club vice captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi grabbing the number 6.

There have also been changes among the goalkeepers, with Melusi Buthelezi assigned the number 1 shirt. Siyabonga Dladla swaps his number 40 for the number 31 shirt with Sipho Chaine the only one retaining his original number among the Pirates shot-stoppers.

Full List

1. Melusi Buthelezi
2. Tshepo Mashiloane
3. Relebohile Mofokeng
4. Abdoulaye Mariko
5. Nkosinathi Sibisi
6. Mbekezeli Mbokazi
7. Deon Hotto
8. Sihle Nduli
9. Yanela Mbuthuma
10. Patrick Maswanganyi
11. Tshepang Moremi
12. Oswin Appollis
13. Nkosikhona Ndaba
14. Thabiso Lebitso
15. Masindi Nemtajela
16. Thalente Mbatha
17. Evidence Makgopa
18. Kabelo Dlamini
19. Tshegofatso Mabasa
20. Simphiwe Selepe
21. Deano van Rooyen
22. Sipho Mbule
23. Siyabonga Ndlozi
24. Sipho Chaine

      26. Bandile Shandu

      27. Tapelo Xoki

      28. Kamogelo Sebelebele

      29. Sinoxolo Kwayiba

      30. Cemran Dansin

      31. Siyabonga Dladla

      32. Lebone Seema

      33. Boitumelo Radiopane

Not only did the Buccaneers achieve this unprecedented feat, but their emphatic 3–0 victory over Stellenbosch FC also took their overall MTN8 tally to 14 titles, leaving them just one short of equalling the record held by Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

Putting the Achievement in Context. Football history often provides the best lens through which to appreciate a landmark achievement.

For the Class of 2025, this fourth consecutive MTN8 crown is not just another trophy, but a legacy-defining milestone. The Buccaneers find themselves along some good company:

SOUTH AFRICA

Champion of Champions

4 Durban City (1960 – 1963)

3 Highlands Park (1968 – 1970)

Life Challenge Cup

4 Orlando Pirates (1973 – 1975)

Sales House Cup

4 Orlando Pirates  (1972 – 1975)

4 Kaizer Chiefs (1979 – 1982)

EUROPE

• 4 LIVERPOOL – English League Cup (1981 and 1984).
• 4 MANCHESTER CITY – English League Cup (2018 to 2021).
• 4 REAL MADRID – Copa Del Rey (1905 and 1908).
• 4 JUVENTUS – Coppa Italia (2015 and 2018).

In defeating the men from the Winelands in the final for the second season running, the Buccaneers became the first team in the history of South African football to claim the same domestic cup title for the fourth year running. They overcame the same opponents they prevailed over at a similar stage last season to further underline their dominance in the competition.

Only four players that started the previous final were present in the starting lineup for the defending champions, and two of them orchestrated the game’s first shot at. That first attempt came from the boot of Thalente Mbatha who won an early free kick before getting on the end of Deon Hotto’s chip from the set piece and knocking his effort wide.

They remained on the ascendancy with Relebohile Mofokeng unleashing a shot from inside the box, but not finding the target as his effort was deflected away from the Stellies goal. Further attempts at goal came from the midfield pair of Mbatha and Sipho Mbule, but neither could find a way past Sage Stephens.

The game’s first quarter continued to belong to the hosts, whose goal was rarely threatened throughout the opening half hour. The visitors however had their bright moments – the best of which came just before halftime when Andre de Jong looked to shoot from inside the box, but wasn’t afforded an opportunity to get his effort away.

Goalless at the break, Pirates were determined to kick the second half similarly to how they began the first. Mbule and Sanele Barns traded shots early on before a point-blank effort from Evidence Makgopa – who timed his run superbly in connecting with a lovely diagonal ball from Sihle Nduli – was kept out by Stephens.

Having had a relatively quiet time in the first hour of the contest, Bucs goalkeeper Sipho Chaine was eventually tasked with keeping out a seemingly goalbound shot in the 70th minute when he stretched wide to his right to deny Barns.

The bulk of the action remained at the other end where Hotto directed two shots on target, with Stephens proving to be the difference between the two sides as he pulled off two saves off the Bucs left-back.

The frustration continued throughout the latter stages of the match, with the final whistle sounding while the two teams were still deadlocked.

This meant that 30 minutes would be added to the contest, with the lottery of a shootout looming should there not be a winner after extra time. However, clever subs made by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou towards the end of the second half proved to be the trump card for the Buccaneers.

This was when replacement wingers Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi combined moments after the restart, with the latter running onto a perfectly weighted pass before finishing past Stephens.

Seemingly unsatisfied with just one goal, Moremi forced a save off the Stellies shot-stopper just seconds later as his opener appeared to have spurred on the hosts.

They did not relent, and soon created some daylight between themselves and the opposition when Mofokeng linked up with another second-half sub in Tshegofatso Mabasa, who produced a trademark calm finish to make it 2-0.

With 10 minutes left, Moremi penned his name on the scoresheet for the second time. Once more, he benefitted off some brilliance from Appollis before outfoxing Stephens, who was left rooted to the spot as the ball crashed into the back of the net.

Those three goals were more than enough for the Soweto Giants, as they ensured that the coveted piece of silverware resided with them for yet another season with a resounding win.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso (Moremi 74’), Hotto, Nduli, Mbatha (Nemtajela 90+1’), Mbule (Appollis 61’), Sebelebele, Mofokeng (Sibisi 106’), Makgopa (Mabasa 74’).

A slice of history is on the line for the Buccaneers, who have to navigate one last hurdle in their title defence. They could become the first team to hoist the coveted trophy on four consecutive occasions, but are guaranteed some resistance from the Cape Winelands outfit seeking its first top-eight title.

The highly-anticipated encounter is a replay of the previous final, and provides an epic return to domestic competition after a short hiatus brought about by the season’s first international break.

The Opposition

Steve Barker’s men have advanced to another final following an eventful cup run which kicked off with a marathon quarterfinal encounter against AmaZulu, where an extra-time strike from Langelihle Phili handed them a 3-2 victory. They held all the aces halfway through their semifinal tie against Sekhukhune, following a 2-0 win at home, before completing a 3-1 aggregate win after a stalemate in their away leg.

The consistency witnessed in the MTN8 has however proven hard to come by in league football, as they currently occupy a spot near the bottom of the standings after five games played. They have only managed a mere four points with the bulk of that tally coming through a solitary league win, while emerging on the losing side on three occasions.

After stuttering along throughout the first month of the season, Stellenbosch will have welcomed the break afforded by the international window ahead of the final. They are rejoined by defender Thabo Moloisane, their only player to depart for international duty over the past week.

Stellies have also continued to bolster their squad, roping in Azerbaijani defender Turan Manafov ahead of the final. The 27-year-old could be among the options in Mbombela as the men in maroon look to exact revenge for last season’s MTN8 final defeat.

Bucs Team News

Unlike their opponents, Pirates managed some consistency in the weeks leading up to the brief hiatus in competitive action, winning three consecutive league matches while continuing to advance in the MTN8.

Their cup journey – which began with a comfortable 2-0 win at home to Polokwane City – met a stiff challenge in the form of rivals Mamelodi Sundowns. The two giants produced a tight semifinal tie which had to be decided on penalties, with the Buccaneers eventually prevailing after each leg finished with a one-all scoreline.

Ahead of the final, there have been several boosts in the Bucs camp. Among them is midfielder Patrick Maswanganyi, who is back in full training after withdrawing from the Bafana squad through a minor knock.

He is one of nine players who departed camp during the international break, while club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula could also be back in contention for spots in the match day squad, having recovered from their respective injuries.

All three provide experienced options for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou as the Soweto Giants look to retain a trophy that has resided in their quarters since 2022.

Head-to-Head

Having consistently finished in the top half of the league table in recent years, the two sides have not been able to avoid each other in the MTN8 for three seasons running. They met over two legs of the 2023/24 semis with Pirates progressing to the final, thanks to a 2-1 win in their away leg, with Stellenbosch falling short despite registering a 1-0 victory in the second leg played at Orlando Stadium.

The Buccaneers’ 3-1 triumph in last year’s final handed them an outright edge in terms of head-to-head results in the competition, taking their overall goal tally to five, while the Maroons have found the net three times.

Across competitions, it’s Pirates who boast the most wins. Last month’s 1-0 league victory in Soweto was their seventh since their first competitive encounter in 2019, with five results going the way of Stellenbosch plus another five games finishing in a stalemate.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 18:00 with live coverage on SuperSport PSL and SABC1. You can follow the action as it happens through real-time updates provided across Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match are sold out.

The sold-out fixture held at Mbombela Stadium has drawn great excitement and is expected to draw a large crowd in and around the stadium precinct.

Ahead of the highly-anticipated encounter, several measures have been taken to ensure smooth traffic flow and a seamless match day experience.

Park and Ride Facility

With gates at Mbombela Stadium opening at 14:00, a Park and Ride option has been facilitated and will begin operating at 13:00 across the following locations;

• Showgrounds
• Höerskool Bergvlam
• Lowveld High School
• Riverside Government Complex
• Fresh Produce Market

Ticket holders can access the service by presenting a valid match ticket to the driver ahead of boarding the bus.

Secure parking is available at no cost across all loading venues, while shuttle buses heading to the stadium will depart once full, or at 15 to 30 minute intervals.

Following the final whistle, the service will resume with the last shuttles expected to depart from the stadium between 21:00 and 21:30.

Road Closures and Parking Options

For those opting to use their own vehicles, early bird parking at the adjoining stadium parking areas is available on a first-come-first-serve basis, while limited general public parking is provided until 15:00. Thereafter, vehicles will be turned away and directed to the nearest Park and Ride.

Motorists are encouraged to follow instructions provided by marshalls in and around the precinct to avoid parking in reserved areas.

Samora Machel Drive will be closed once free parking is full. The closure will be implemented between Graniet Street and the N-4 Mataffin Split with only permit holders allowed in.

The MTN8 final is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 with fans urged to arrive early to secure their seats and enjoy the pre-match entertainment.

Namibia and South Africa were represented by members of the current Buccaneers squad during the September international break, with both nations remaining in contention for spots in the global showpiece that will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico next year.

Namibia’s Brave Warriors kept their chances of qualification alive as they closed things off in style with a convincing 3-0 over minnow São Tomé and Príncipe in their game played in Francistown, Botswana on Tuesday afternoon.

Veteran winger Deon Hotto provided another energetic display during his 86 minutes on the pitch. He supplied the assist for striker Peter Shalulile’s hat-trick goal with an excellent cross from the right flank.

It was the perfect comeback for Collin Benjamin’s troops, who had fallen short in the previous match day when they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Malawi.

The three points earned against the islanders strengthened their position in second place in Group H, as they remained within a shot of qualifying for the playoffs scheduled to take place in November with leaders Tunisia already confirmed as outright group winners. 

Later in the day, Bafana Bafana added another point to their tally to maintain their spot at the top of Group C when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Nigeria in a highly physical encounter. Three Buccaneers featured in the starting XI, with defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi impressing with a Man of the Match display in only his third senior international appearance.

The teenager was joined among the starters by teammates Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis, who were both menacing up front, while midfielder Thalente Mbatha was a late introduction alongside Kamogelo Sebelebele. All had played a part in last Friday’s fixture played at the same venue, helping Bafana to a 3-0 win over neighbours Lesotho.

With four points earned over the last two fixtures, South Africa remain in pole position for a spot in the World Cup with six points separating them from the chasing pack. With international commitments done and dusted for the month, focus shifts back to domestic action with the players rejoining the rest of their teammates as Pirates turn attention to Saturday’s MTN8 final against Stellenbosch, which will be held in Mbombela

Tickets for what promises to be a mouth-watering encounter were snapped up within hours of going on sale, underlining the magnitude of the occasion.

It will be the second MTN8 final contested by the two sides in as many years with the Buccaneers – who go in as hosts and defending champions – set to play in front of a capacity home crowd for the third time in this year’s competition.

According to head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Soweto Giants are determined to repay the backing shown by the supporters throughout the campaign.

“We are happy to be back at a stadium that will be packed,” he said. “We want to deliver a performance worthy of our supporters.”

Ahead of the blockbuster encounter, Pirates have been boosted by club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi’s return to training. The defender has been a notable absentee over the past few weeks, missing both legs of the semifinal showdown against Mamelodi Sundowns.

He shared his thoughts on the squad’s preparations for their fourth consecutive MTN8 final.

“Preparations for the game are going well, he said. “It’s good to be back training with the players again. It’s been a positive week for us, and we are looking forward to creating history in front of a full Mbombela.”

“It’s never easy whenever you are injured. In terms of selection, I am ready for the weekend and credit to Mbokazi for the way he has been leading the team in my absence. Kudos to him for what he’s been doing for both the club and the national team. As a group, we embrace competition and will do everything to create history and keep the cup. After all, it is our cup.”

Saturday’s final will be Pirates’ fourth consecutive appearances in the last two of the competition. They will be resuming their quest to become the first side to clinch four titles back-to-back, having succeeded in their three previous attempts.

No stranger to the winners’ podium, Sibisi believes lifting the trophy a fourth time will be special.

“It’s always special to lift a trophy,”Sibisi added. “Lifting it for the fourth time will be special, not only for the club and the players but for the supporters as well. There will be no pressure on me personally – I’ve already won five trophies with the club; this is not about me but about the group. Every final is special, and hopefully this one will be memorable for all the players and the club.”

Kick-off on Saturday is scheduled for 18h00. Fans are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy the pre-match festivities at Mbombela Stadium.

The 19-year-old has been a constant presence in the Buccaneers’ starting lineup, featuring in all eight competitive fixtures so far. He even took on the captain’s armband in the absence of Nkosinathi Sibisi, who is recovering from a knee injury.

Mbokazi’s fine form has also earned him a senior national team call-up. He played a crucial role in Bafana Bafana’s 3-0 victory over neighbours Lesotho in a recent World Cup Qualifier. He and his fellow Buccaneers are now set to face Nigeria in Bloemfontein tomorrow in another exciting clash.

Winner Announcement

Mbokazi isn’t the only winner this month. Each month, one lucky supporter who casts their vote stands a chance to walk away with a special prize courtesy of our Mobile Partner, OPPO.

The winner for August is Phelor Manxasana.

CONGRATULATIONS!!  

Bafana Bafana created daylight between themselves and the chasing pack in Group C, where they went seven points clear of second-placed Benin ahead of their crucial clash against Nigeria at the same venue on Tuesday. 

It was thanks in part to the Bucs contingent in the match-day squad named by coach Hugo Broos, who included four players wearing the famous black and white in the starting lineup, while a further three waited on the bench.

The star of the show in the fixture proved to be Appollis, who turned in a stellar performance in his first international since signing for the Soweto Giants in the off-season. He carried his club form into the encounter and had a hand in the opener netted by ex-Buccaneer Mohau Nkota in the 15th minute.  

The 24-year-old had opportunities to get his own name on the scoresheet in the first half, but had to wait until the break to do so. Lesotho’s resistance was only broken after the hour mark by another former Pirates player in Burnley’s Lyle Foster, who then provided the assist for Appollis as he put the result beyond doubt with a calm finish past Orbit College goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane. 

Included alongside Appollis in the starting eleven were defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who was instrumental in ensuring a clean sheet with an assured showing at the back. The two players lasted the full 90 minutes alongside Thalente Mbatha, while Sipho Mbule at his dazzling best on his return to the national setup as he displayed his trademark flair in his 73 minutes on the field. 

There was a milestone for another Bucs new signing in Kamogelo Sebelebele, who made his official debut for South Africa when he replaced Nkota in the 73rd minute. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine and midfielder Relebohile Mofokeng were among the unused subs on the bench and could feature when Bafana host Nigeria on Tuesday. 

Meanwhile, Deon Hotto’s Namibia endured a disappointing result in their bid to secure World Cup qualification for the first time in history. The veteran winger lasted the whole match as the Brave Warriors went down 2-1 to Malawi in their match played in Francistown earlier in the day. The result dealt a blow to their chances as they remain second in a tight Group H with three more games left to play. They also remain at the same venue for their next match, which takes place on Tuesday against third-placed Liberia, who are only two points behind them

And we’ve got some humdingers to mark the start of the 2025/26 season.

Up first is Oswin Appollis, who marked his arrival in front of a packed Orlando Stadium with a well-executed shot against his former employers Polokwane City in the MTN8 opener.

Next up, is Tito Maswanganyi with his goal against Marumo Gallants. This was one of those goals from the training field. Mbokazi plays a long pass to Hotto who did well to control the pass and lay off to an onrushing Tito who coolly slotted the shot past the keeper.

Next up, we have Kamogelo Sebelebele, who after receiving a pinpoint pass from Mbokazi, ran over 50+ meters before slotting his shot in between the legs of Ronwen Williams.

Sebelebele, returns to the nominees list with another banger but this time from outside of the box against Stellenbosch.

Centre backs don’t usually score goals so any goal scored by them is special – but the goal scored Lebone Seema would be the envy of even the best players in the world. The 24-year-old unleashed a rocket of a shot against Orbit College.

The final submission for the month of August is the final goal Pirates scored of the month and that was from Tshepang Moremi who riffled in a low shot past the Chippa United keeper in a match that saw Pirates march to a 3-0 victory.

How to vote

Check out the goals on YouTube and on our various social media channels to cast your vote.

With the first month of the Premier League season now in the books, voting is open for August’s Player of the Month.

The month of August has been drama-filled month with Pirates playing eight competitive matches in the process winning four, losing two and drawing twice. During this period Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have climbed up to fifth place in the Betway Premiership as well as reach the final of the MTN8 for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year.

A number of players have put up their hands in the pursuit of the first Player of the Month gong of the season. Here are the nominees:

Sipho Chaine

The last man of defence came to his sides’ aid in the most epic fashion during the club’s titanic battle with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns – pulling off two saves in the penalty shootout but not only that; but during the two legs of the MTN8, Sipho was instrumental in keeping the score to a single goal. In the eight games played this past month, Sipho has gone on to keep four clean sheets.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi

Very few players have burst into the scene and make an impact the way Mbokazi has for Orlando Pirates. The 19-year-old has been a mainstay in the Pirates defence since making his debut and it doesn’t look like he is ready to relinquish his position any time soon. Not only that but the injury to Nkosinathi Sibisi has also seen TLB as he is affectionately known, go on to captain the side.

Lebone Seema

With so many high-profile signings the club made at the beginning of the season, the Bucs fans could be forgiven for not knowing anything about Seema however, as of today, very few supporters of the black and white of Orlando Pirates can say that they do not know the 24-year-old especially after he announced his arrival with a rocket of a shot in Pirates’ 1-0 victory against Orbit College.

Patrick Maswanganyi

Fan favourite, Patrick Maswanganyi has bounced back from criticism that he has faced at the beginning of the season to remind people of the quality that he possesses. In the seven appearances in August, Tito has scored three goals .

Kamogelo Sebelebele

After announcing the signing of Sebelebele following the departure of one of the fan favourites Mohau Nkota, some would find the pressure of convincing the Ghost very daunting but not for Mike. The former TS Galaxy man grabbed the challenge and ran with it – literally! Marking his arrival to the Buccaneers with a clutch equaliser against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 in front of a packed Orlando Stadium. A week later, he repeated this with yet another equaliser against Bafana ba Style. In seven appearances – Mike has scored three goals in August.

Oswin Appollis

Hopes were high that Appollis would make an immediate impact at the club following his high profile move from Polokwane City at the beginning of the season, and he didn’t disappoint – ending the month of August the way he started it with a Man of the Match performance against Polokwane City and most recently, in Pirates’ 3-0 win against Chippa United.

How to Vote?

Supporters can cast their votes for August’s Player of the Month via the Club’s official social media channels and on the Orlando Pirates website. Voting closes at 17h00 on Friday, 5 September 2025, after which the winner will be announced

His inclusion comes after teammate Patrick Masangwanyi suffered an injury and was stretchered off in the 75th minute during Pirates’ 3-0 away victory over Chippa United on Sunday.

For Mbule, the call-up carries deeper significance. The Bethlehem-born playmaker has been a familiar figure in the youth national structures, having trained with the South Africa Under-17s (Amajimbos). However, he narrowly missed out on representing the country at the Under-17 World Cup in Chile, instead featuring for his school side, Harmony Sport Academy in the Engen Knockout Challenge.

Since then, the midfielder popularly known as “The Master Chef” has steadily climbed the ranks, wearing national colours at the Under-20 and Under-23 levels.

His return to the senior squad ahead of crucial World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Nigeria represents a chance to capitalise on a rare opportunity on the global stage.

“I’m happy to be back in the national team,” Mbule told Orlandopiratesfc.com in an exclusive interview. “As you all know it’s been a while without wearing national team colours.I’m glad to have worked my way back to the national team now it’s for me to work again to stay here.”

The 28-year-old’s return to the national setup comes shortly after his move to the Buccaneers. In just a handful of appearances donning the famous black and white, he has not only impressed hordes of Bucs fans, but also caught the eye of Bafana mentor Hugo Broos.

Having made a short cameo in South Africa’s previous World Cup qualifying campaign, Mbule now has a chance to play a bigger role in ensuring the country’s long-awaited return to the global showpiece.

With four fixtures remaining, a solid showing in the current international break could secure a ticket to North America. This would mark the end of a lengthy absence from the world’s most premier football tournament.

According to Mbule, bagging all points on offer in the games against Likuena and the Super Eagles is of high importance.

“We all know how important these two games are for our country,” he said. “We wanna win both games and qualify for the World Cup.”

South Africa are away to Lesotho for their next fixture, held at Dr Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein this Friday. They remain in the same city for their clash against Nigeria, which takes place at Free State Stadium. Both matches kick off at 18:00 (SAST).

The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their hard-fought 3–0 victory against Chippa United. Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a Nissan NP200 vehicle collided with the stationary vehicles, striking the group and causing serious injuries.

Coach Ouaddou, along with the five affected staff members, were immediately transported to hospital, where they are currently receiving medical care. The Club is in close contact with the medical team and will provide updates on their recovery in due course.

At this stage, our priority is the health and wellbeing of our colleagues. The Club has made arrangements to ensure that the affected individuals and their families receive all the necessary support during this difficult time.

We ask for privacy and respect for those involved as they focus on recovery. Further updates will be communicated when appropriate.

The win in Gqeberha was the third league victory in a row for the Soweto Giants, who have shook off a nervy start to the current league campaign to quickly rack up nine points in their three most recent games. It was also the perfect result ahead of the September international break, with their next fixture only taking place in a little less than two weeks.

Back on the road after midweek success on home turf, the Buccaneers’ confidence was evident early on in Gqeberha. They immediately set up camp inside opposition territory, but the sustained pressure on the home side was not rewarded straight away with Chippa effective in preventing entry into their defensive third for most of the opening 10 minutes.  

They did not hold on for long, however, as the visitors edged ahead as early as the 10th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi finished from inside the box to bag his third goal across competitions this season – his second in the league. The goal came following a misplaced pass deep inside the Chilli Boys’ half of the pitch, where the Bucs midfielder got on the end of a neat pass from striker Evidence Makgopa and made no mistake as he calmly slotted home.

Soon after putting Pirates ahead, he nearly benefited off more nervy defence from the hosts as Oswin Appollis effected the turnover before releasing a pass. However, Maswanganyi could not find a way past Chippa keeper Stanley Nwabali this time around with the Nigerian international pulling off a reflex save to keep his side’s deficit at a minimum.

Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine was called upon to cut out a few balls delivered into his penalty area during the middle part of the first half, but none posed a significant threat. The home side meanwhile, struggled to shake off the defensive errors as Appollis almost had a hand in providing the second for the visitors, but Nwabali was able to recover and effect a save.

However, the Chippa shot-stopper had no answer for the next shot fired in his direction, as the Soweto Giants made it 2-0 moments before the break. The decisive touch came off Deon Hotto, who ran onto a perfectly-weighted pass from Appollis before producing a left-footed shot that proved too powerful for Nwabali.

Pirates took a two-goal lead into the break, and the start of the second period wasn’t short of drama as they were awarded a chance to extend their lead further following a foul on Makgopa in the 50th minute. The referee pointed to the spot, with Maswanganyi stepping up to take the penalty. He could not complete his brace however, with Nwabali guessing correctly before keeping his effort out.

There was the odd chance at the other end of the pitch, with Justice Figuaredo going wide as he headed at goal from a set piece in the 53rd minute. Pressure however remained sustained in one half as Kamogelo Sebelebele looked to provide the Buccaneers’ third with an attempt from close range, only to be denied by Nwabali.

Changes were made from both dugouts, and it was movement from the Bucs bench that triggered the game’s next big moment. It came off replacement winger Tshepang Moremi, who netted his first goal for the club when he was left unmarked on the right before collecting a pass from Appollis, hitting it first time into the far corner for the games’ third.

Moremi fired wide with his next effort at goal as he and Appollis connected once more inside the last 10 minutes. Chippa had a last-gasp opportunity at a late consolation through a set piece, spurned by Ruzaigh Gamildien who curled his attempt over the Buccaneers’ crossbar.

That last chance told the story of a disappointing outing for the hosts, while the Buccaneers cruised to their biggest win of the season to climb from ninth to fifth place in the Premiership standings. 

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Lebitso (Shandu 87’), Hotto, Nduli, Mbatha (Mbule 74’), Maswanganyi (Mofokeng 74’), Sebelebele (Moremi 62’), Appollis, Makgopa (Mabasa 87’).

The picturesque Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium hosts this key fixture, which makes for an intriguing show-stopper for the fifth game week of the 2025/26 league campaign. It’s an encounter that pits a Buccaneers side looking to continue in their winning ways against a side desperate to pick up some positive form amid a tough period early in the season.

The fixture has often delivered in terms of excitement, and its upcoming edition is expected to be no different with both teams still some distance away from where they would have aimed to be at this stage.

The Opposition

After competing in the top flight for 10 consecutive seasons, the Chilli Boys find themselves among the early contenders for relegation this season. They are currently bottom of the pile after failing to win each of their four matches played so far.

What started as a promising campaign, following a gutsy draw against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in their opening game, has taken a turn for the worse. They have since suffered three straight defeats, going down 1-0 on their visit to newly-promoted Durban City before a crushing 4-1 loss at home to TS Galaxy that was followed by another 1-0 defeat away to Richards Bay.

Now one of just two teams yet to register a win during the early part of the season, a win on Sunday will hand them three points that could see them leapfrogging up to five teams currently stationed above them.

They have remained active in the transfer market throughout the current window, having roped in three more new signings over the past week. Experienced forwards Somila Ntsundwana and Justice Figuaredo have been brought in for a much-needed boost up front, with former Mamelodi Sundowns right-back Harold Majibodu also joining in time to contend for a spot in what will likely be a testing encounter against the Buccaneers.

Bucs Team News

The Buccaneers meanwhile have made a steady climb up the standings after finding themselves in unwanted territory following a tough start to their Premiership campaign. Their run of good results also includes cup success, having booked their spot in another MTN8 final.

They are currently placed ninth in the Premiership standings with six points on the board, following wins at home to Stellenbosch and league newcomers Orbit College. Now back on the road, Pirates are on a quest for their first away win in the current league campaign.

Victory on Sunday could potentially propel them as high as the top three, depending on the weekend’s results across the league.

The fixtures in the lead-up to the trip to Gqeberha have however come at a cost, with star forward Relebohile Mofokeng recently joining the injury list. He was sidelined in midweek against Orbit, but could be soon back in action while the likes of captain Nkosinathi Sibisi and Deano van Rooyen remain on the mend after picking up knocks during the course of the season.

Head-to-Head

Pirates have dominated Chippa over the years, and boast a positive win record against them home and away. They return to the Eastern Cape unbeaten in their last nine league visits after defeating their hosts eight times with just one game drawn during this period.

The Chilli Boys have meanwhile not registered a home win over the Buccaneers since their penultimate fixture of the 2015/16 season when they netted a goal in each half to claim a comfortable 2-0 victory.

Currently, the Soweto Giants are on a run of three consecutive league wins, where they have scored five goals and conceded one. They registered a double in the previous campaign, winning 2-1 through goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa and Monnapule Saleng at Orlando Stadium, while Nkosinathi Sibisi’s first-half strike separated the two sides at Nelson Mandela Bay.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture kicks off at 15:00 with live coverage on SuperSport PSL. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the club’s social media channels.

Tickets are available for purchase online on WebTickets.

It’s crunch time in the race for spots in the global showpiece event hosted in North America in June next year. The seventh and eighth game weeks in the African qualifiers arrive with both Southern African nations placed within a realistic chance of featuring among the 48 national teams that will compete in the prestigious tournament.

Namibia’s Brave Warriors are on the verge of making their first appearance in the competition as they sit second in Group H after six games played. Coach Collin Benjamin has once again included the experienced Deon Hotto in his squad that will do battle against Malawi and São Tomé and Príncipe.

A regular in the national setup, the 34-year-old could add to his 65 caps in the two crucial fixtures as the Brave Warriors look to close the four-point gap between themselves and group leaders Tunisia, while also attempting to steer clear of the rest of the chasing pack. They resume action at home against Malawi’s Flames on Friday, 5 September before hosting the islanders four days later. Both fixtures will take place in Francistown, Botswana.

The majority of the Bucs representatives in the upcoming qualifiers will be turning out for South Africa, following Thursday afternoon’s squad announcement made by head coach Hugo Broos.

The 23-man squad that will take on Lesotho and Nigeria in the coming days featured a potential debutant in Pirates new recruit Kamogelo Sebelebele, who has netted three goals and provided an assist in his first six appearances for the club. The winger’s impressive form has been duly rewarded, and he could be set for his first official cap in national colours.

Returning to the squad is goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, who made the most recent of his two caps in a friendly match against Mozambique in the previous international window. He is joined by teenage defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who debuted in the same fixture.

Broos has also called up the tried and tested trio of Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng. All three have featured regularly for the national team in the past year, and could add more caps to their tally.

Winger Oswin Appollis meanwhile rounds up the club’s contingent in the squad as he gets his first call up as a Buccaneers. The 24-year-old has also been a consistent feature for Bafana since making his debut against Rwanda in November 2023.

Bafana Bafana currently top Group C where they are five points clear of second-placed Rwanda. Their first fixture is away to Likuena of Lesotho, with the game taking place next Friday at Free State Stadium. They then return to the same venue the following Tuesday when they host the Super Eagles. Both games are scheduled to kick off at 18:00.

Full Fixtures List

Friday, 5 September

• Namibia vs Malawi at Francistown Stadium, kick-off at 15:00
• Lesotho vs South Africa at Free State Stadium, 18:00

Tuesday, 9 September

• Namibia vs São Tomé and Príncipe at Francistown Stadium, 15:00
• South Africa vs Nigeria at Free State Stadium, 18:00

The two finalists from the previous edition of the competitions are once again the last two teams standing. They secured their spots in the final over the past weekend when Pirates overcame Mamelodi Sundowns on penalties at Lucas Moripe Stadium, while Stellenbosch later went on to complete a 3-1 win on aggregate in their tie against Sekhukhune United.

The weekend’s results set up another exciting match-up between the two sides, who met in the 2024 final where the Buccaneers clinched a third consecutive title after fighting from a goal down to register a 3-1 win at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The return to Mbombela will hold some pleasant memories for the Soweto Giants, who have recently contested a final at the 2010 World Cup venue. They defeated Sundowns in the 2023/24 Nedbank Cup finale, retaining their title in the process.

Stellenbosch will meanwhile see it as an opportunity to exact revenge against the side responsible for them falling on the last hurdle in their quest for a maiden MTN8 title.

More will be on the line as the two sides who have built a solid rivalry in recent years cross paths in Top Eight competition for the third season running.

Ticket information will be communicated by the League in due course.

The three points earned from the midweek encounter pushed the hosts up from the bottom half of the standings into seventh place halfway through the fourth game week of the new season. It was a welcome result in what was their last home outing ahead of the September FIFA break.

Back in the league after a successful cup outing over the weekend, Pirates were looking to keep the winning momentum going with another maximum-point haul on home soil. They met a fair bit of resistance from the top-flight newcomers, who set about ensuring that the hosts struggled to find their usual fluidity on attack.

Opportunities proved to be a rare commodity throughout the opening half, with the Buccaneers spurning what was perhaps their best chance of the early exchanges. It came in the seventh minute when Patrick Maswanganyi connected with a clever chip from Deon Hotto before firing straight at goalkeeper Sekhoane Moerane with his shot on the turn.

The Soweto Giants struggled in their bid to find an opening, despite enjoying most of the possession. They had another attempt at goal just after the half-hour mark when Hotto chanced his arm from a long way out, only to direct his effort well off target.

An error at the back just moments away from the break nearly proved costly as Siyabulela Mabele picked up a stray ball deep in opposition territory. It appeared set to send the net bulging but Sipho Chaine was able to scramble across and make a vital save.

The start of the second half took on a more frantic pace, with both sides sensing an opening early on. Former Bucs Academy forward Ikaneng Ramosala tested Chaine with an effort from inside the penalty area, with the shot-stopper proving equal to the task once more.

Pirates hit back with a close-range attempt from Lebone Seema, whose header from a corner rolled across the face of goal.

The centre-back’s next foray upfield however produced a moment of magic to open his Bucs account. He was positioned perfectly to collect the rebound from a Kamogelo Sebelebele cutback and volleyed at goal from outside the box to make it 1-0 in the 56th minute.

Replacement midfielder Sipho Mbule almost doubled the lead straight away, with his long-range effort drifting wide. Chaine also had to be on top of his game at the other end when he was tested by Mabele with a powerful shot that he turned away for a corner.

Pirates remained the more dominant side, and had a few late opportunities as Tshepang Moremi flashed wide with an effort from range before Tshegofatso Mabasa and Sebelebele were both denied from inside the penalty area as the pressure remained with the visitors.

A last-gasp chance from Thalente Mbatha came close to providing the second, but the midfielder’s shot could only brush the upright on its way out for a goalkick.

The solitary goal was all that would separate the two sides in the end, with Pirates claiming another hard-fought victory at home for the second league game running.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Shandu, Hotto (Hotto 46’), Nduli (Mbatha 46’), Mariko (Mbule 46’), Maswanganyi, Sebelebele, Appollis (Moremi 67’), Mabasa (Makgopa 78’).

They are at home for another midweek assignment as they resume their hunt for league points. Up against them are the league’s new kids on the block, who are aiming for their first big upset as they attempt to make their mark in the big time.

 A busy season continues with a vital clash in Soweto in what is the fourth game week in the 2025/26 league season, where both sides are desperate to make their way up the standings after landing in the bottom half of the standings early on.

The Opposition

One of the new additions to South Africa’s top-flight, Orbit College have blown hot and cold in their debut season. They began life in the Premiership with a narrow defeat away to AmaZulu before clinching their first points in the league with a 1-0 win over fellow newcomers Siwelele.

They still sit at three points after three matches despite turning out at home in their most recent outing, which produced their biggest losing margin so far as they went down 3-0 to Sekhukhune United in a midweek fixture played at Dobsonville Stadium.

With only one goal scored – courtesy of Letsie Koapeng against Siwelele – and four conceded, Mswenko Boys find themselves in 12th place in the standings. Another undesirable result could see them drop even further down as only three points separate them from last-placed Richards Bay.

Midfielder Realeboga Potsana was a fitness concern following their most recent outing, where he lasted just 44 minutes and had to be withdrawn through injury. He could miss the trip to Orlando, with the likes of Doctor Motswakhumo and Thapelo Mokwena among the possible replacements.

Bucs Team News

For the home side, Deano van Rooyen is again among the doubtful starters after he took no part in cup action on Saturday, following an injury sustained in his side’s last league game. Pirates have however been boosted by the imminent return of defender Olisa Ndah, who has been back at training while fellow centre-back and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi continues to recover from a knock picked up earlier in the season.

The Buccaneers are emerging from a bruising encounter over the weekend, where they held their nerve during the penalty shootout to book their spot in the MTN8 final for the fourth year running. This is after fighting back to force a stalemate against Mamelodi Sundowns at Lucas Moripe Stadium,, with the highly-entertaining tie finishing with a 2-2 aggregate score after 180 minutes of action.

Focus is now back in the league where they will be hunting for another maximum points haul after a slow start to the campaign. Having started the season with defeats to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants, Pirates got on the board with last Wednesday’s 1-0 home win over Stellenbosch, where Kamogelo Sebelebele provided the winner as he bagged the second of his three goals netted in as many starts for Pirates.

They’re just a spot above Tuesday night’s visitors in the standings, with the two sides only separated by the Soweto Giants’ superior goal difference.

At 11th place, Pirates will be fully aware that their current position is nowhere near their lofty standards as they look to stretch their unbeaten run to four matches with the best possible result at home.

Head-to-Head

With Orbit visiting Orlando Stadium for the first time in their short history, this will also be the two sides’ first-ever competitive encounter.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture is scheduled to kick off at 19:30 and can be streamed live on SuperSport PSL. Live updates will be available across all Orlando Pirates social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match can be purchased online on OpenTickets as well as selected retail outlets nationwide.

The enthralling match-up between the two rivals reached the end of regulation time with the two sides still deadlocked at two goals apiece on aggregate. This was after the previous leg played at Orlando Stadium followed a similar script with the Buccaneers fighting back from a goal down to salvage a draw.

With things still in the balance heading into the decider in Atteridgeville, a tentative approach was adopted at both ends for the best part of the first period with clear-cut chances at goal kept to a minimum. The first 15 minutes went by with neither side posing a significant threat to the opposition goal as both defensive units held firm.

The home side was however able to edge ahead just 17 minutes in, capitalising on Pirates’ failure to produce a clearance inside their penalty area. Following some pressure inside the Bucs box, Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners produced the definitive touch when he latched onto the rebound from a shot blocked by defender Lebone Seema before guiding the ball past the diving Sipho Chaine into the net.

That handed the hosts an advantage in the tie, with the Buccaneers needing to find the net twice for an outright win. However, not much changed in their pursuit for the equaliser as the Brazilians continued to keep things tight at the back.

Crosses delivered into the box by Seema and Relebohile Mofokeng failed to connect with their intended targets. Kamogelo Sebelebele later joined in the act, but the result was similar as the home side’s defence remained alert to their visitors’ threat from the flanks.

The visitors’ frustrating spell lasted throughout the remainder of the first period, with Sundowns maintaining their lead heading into the break.

Pirates’ efforts at drawing level after the break continued to meet some resistance, despite a more spirited approach in the second half. They nearly faced an uphill battle in their bid to claw their way back as Rayners nearly made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot at goal, only to be denied by the upright.

Thalente Mbatha replied moments later with a long-range attempt at goal, and could only manage to force a save from Ronwen Williams.

The shots kept flying in at both ends as Chaine had to make a similar stop on the opposite side to deny Matthews.

With 13 minutes of regulation time remaining, it was a case of deja vu for the home side as they relinquished a lead for the second week running. Sebelebele was again the main with the finishing touch, capitalising on some sloppy defensive work before directing the ball into the net for his third goal in as many starts for Pirates, his second in two games against the Tshwane Giants.

The Soweto Giants threatened in the dying moments as they looked to steal a winner, while their opponents also tasked them with some defensive work late on. Neither could prevent the looming lottery of the penalty shootout, as things ended with nothing to separate the two sides.

Hotto’s experience shone through during the spot kicks as he easily slotted past Williams to put Pirates ahead, while Chaine guessed correctly to deny Teboho Mokoena who took Sundowns’ first penalty of the afternoon.

That was the first of two saves by the Bucs shot-stopper during the shootout, who also kept out Marcello Allende’s penalty. Abdoulaye Mariko and Sipho Mbule meanwhile slotted home to give the visitors a handy advantage.

Sundowns striker Lebo Mothiba managed to breach the 28-year-old’s defences, but that proved to be a little too late as Tshegofatso Mabasa ensured a 4-1 win to the Buccaneers in the shootout.

It was yet another triumph in the semis for the Soweto Giants, who maintained their healthy record in the tournament against their Tshwane counterparts while remaining on track for an unprecedented fourth straight title.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Sebelebele, Hotto, Nduli (Mariko 62’), Mbatha (Mbule 86’), Maswanganyi (Shandu 39’), Mofokeng, Appollis (Kwayiba 86’), Makgopa (Mabasa 62’).

Following a thrilling opening leg at Orlando Stadium, there will be another sold-out affair in the highly-anticipated encounter in Atteridgeville. This is after the two Gauteng rivals played to an entertaining 1-1 draw amid the electrifying atmosphere in Soweto last Saturday.

The intensity is not expected to let up in what is a massive knockout fixture between two sides clashing in what is undoubtedly the biggest match-up so far in the 2025/26 season.

The Opposition

Sundowns carry a slim advantage heading into the deciding leg after bagging a crucial away goal at Orlando Stadium. This means a clean sheet in Atteridgeville will guarantee them a spot in the final, placing them a step closer to their first MTN8 title since 2021.

They go into the match having picked up some momentum via a 2-0 win away to Magesi in the Betway Premiership in midweek. The victory at Sheshego Stadium was their second consecutive league win and their third in all competitions since the start of the season.

They remain unbeaten, having drawn twice in five matches played. The Brazilians have maintained a good defensive record throughout the campaign, only conceding two goals so far. They have been just as effective at the other end of the pitch, where they have found the net eight times.

A key cog in their attacking play will however be missing as they gear up to face the Buccaneers in Saturday’s decisive clash. Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane was withdrawn early during the first leg in Soweto after pulling up injury and is set for an extended spell in the sidelines.

There will be no shortage in options for coach Miguel Cardoso, who resumes his search for a first cup title since taking over the reins midway through the previous season.

Bucs Team News

Much like their next opponents, Pirates collected three league points in their recent midweek assignment. They defeated fellow MTN8 semifinalists Stellenbosch 1-0 at Orlando Stadium to register their first Betway Premiership points this season.

It was their first win since their season opener against Polokwane City and a result which signalled a turnaround in results that the Buccaneers so desperately needed after a rough spell at the start of their campaign where they suffered two consecutive losses in the lead-up to the first-leg stalemate against the Tshwane Giants.

Now unbeaten in their last two matches across competitions, they will be aiming to register back-to-back wins for the first time in the ongoing campaign with a victory that will secure a spot in the MTN8 final for the fourth year running.

They head into the fixture not without fresh injury worries, with right-back Deano van Rooyen ruled out of the trip to Atteridgeville. The 28-year-old was stretchered off during the opening 20 minutes in midweek, and will undergo further assessments to determine the extent of his injury.

His absence guarantees further tweaks to the Bucs back four ahead of the match which represents another stern test to their ongoing impressive run in the competition.

Head-to-Head

Last Saturday’s stalemate extended Pirates’ unbeaten streak in the competition against Sundowns to six matches, and was the third draw in the semis since 2011. The last time the two sides could not be separated after the first leg, the Buccaneers went on to claim an impressive 3-0 win in the away leg and booked their spot in the 2022 final.

The Soweto Giants have maintained a decent cup record over their Tshwane counterparts in recent years, who have eliminated them just once over the past 15 years. They have registered five outright victories in the process, and were also triumphant in the only match decided by penalties during this period.

Two of these victories have been away from home, and they will aim for more of the same on their visit to Atteridgeville.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00 with the match broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. You can also follow the action as it happens by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms.

Tickets are sold out.

The three points earned on the night pulled the Soweto Giants out of unwanted territory in the bottom three of the standings, bringing them up within a point of the top eight. They avoided an unprecedented third straight defeat at the start of the league campaign in what was their first midweek outing at Orlando Stadium in the new season. 

Having failed to open their account on two attempts prior to their clash with Stellies, the Buccaneers were quick to dominate proceedings in search of their first league points. Oswin Appollis struck the upright four minutes into his return to the starting line up when he was played through by Relebohile Mofokeng, with the duo combining well on the left flank.

They continued to pull the strings during the early exchanges, with Mofokeng and Deon Hotto both proving to be a menace in the attacking third. Neither could find the opener however, as the visitors’ defence proved equal to the task in the opening exchanges.

The resistance did not last for much longer as Kamogelo Sebelebele quickly made it two goals in as many starts in Bucs colours. The winger was heavily involved in a swift move upfield, initiating then finishing the attack with a cracking right-footed strike that went beyond the reach of a diving Sage Stephens to make it 1-0 with just 15 minutes played.

He could have been joined on the scoresheet by another recent signing in Sihle Nduli who nearly struck his first Bucs goal against his former side in the 23rd minute. The midfielder found himself in space just outside the penalty area and managed to draw a save from Stephens with a well-struck shot.

His effort was followed by one from a similar range by Sipho Mbule – brought in halfway through the first half to replace the injured Deano van Rooyen –  with striker Evidence Makgopa following suit with a shot that landed off target as Pirates continued to dominate proceedings at home.

More attempts late in the first half failed to yield another strike for the home side, who went wide through Mofokeng before Thalente Mbatha was denied by Stephens three minutes from the break.

The Buccaneers took a slim lead into the second half, and quickly went about attempting to double their advantage with another early blitz which consisted of shots from Hotto, Mbule and Mofokeng inside the opening 10 minutes of the second period.

Chances at goal were mainly concentrated at one end throughout the game’s opening hour, as Sebelebele had a chance to increase his tally around the half-hour mark, but only managed to fire inches wide with his left foot. Bucs keeper Sipho Chaine had to wait until the last half hour of the contest to make a real save, and he did so denying Langelihle Phili whose heavy first touch resulted in a fairly-comfortable stop for the shot-stopper.

An attempt from Khomotjo Lokoloane demanded more of Chaine in the 73rd minute, and he was again equal to the task. That turned out to be the last real attempt for the visitors, with the Buccaneers continuing to spark some bright moments at the other end, where replacement winger Tshepang Moremi and Mofokeng both had some close calls without really troubling Stephens.

The Bucs defence stood up well to a late onslaught by the men from the Cape Winelands, who desperately sought an equaliser in injury time. Their determined team effort pulled through in the end as they held on to their slim lead to walk off with all three points on offer, ending their four-match winless run in league matches against The Maroons.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Van Rooyen (Mbule 20’), Hotto, Nduli, Mbatha (Dlamini 63’), Sebelebele, Mofokeng, Appollis (Moremi 81’), Makgopa (Mabasa 63’).

In what has been a busy start to the season, the Buccaneers take to the field for the fifth time in a little over three weeks as they look to get off the mark under the points column in the Premiership.

They are up against a Stellies side that has been just as engaged early on in the campaign as the two lock horns in a crucial tussle for a much-needed three points at both ends.

The two sides are set to clash after landing in the bottom half of the table, some distance away from their usual residence in the standings. They have both been active in cup competition, where they have registered far better results than what they have so far managed in the league.

The Opposition

Stellenbosch come off a confidence-boosting cup win over the weekend after grabbing the driving seat in their two-legged MTN8 semifinal tie against Sekhukhune United with a 2-0 win at Danie Craven Stadium. This is after advancing to the last four through a hard-fought 3-2 victory at home to AmaZulu.

They are set to embark on their second away league outing in as many matches, having kicked their Premiership campaign with a home defeat to the Buccaneers’ Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Stellies registered their first league point last Wednesday away to Magesi when Langelihle Phili’s 19th minute opener was cancelled out eight minutes later by Kgomotso Mosadi with the two sides eventually settling for a one-all draw in Sheshego.

They have rotated their squad throughout the campaign, with the vast majority of their playing personnel at least featuring on the bench in the lead-up to their trip to Soweto. Out of the confirmed squad members, only reserve goalkeeper Dublin Boon is yet to make the match-day squad in the four games played, while the likes of Simthandile Shishi and Vuyolwethu Andreas are also yet to debut despite featuring as unused subs in the MTN8.

They could be considered by coach Steve Barker ahead of Wednesday’s fixture, which is the first of two crucial outings facing the men from the Cape Winelands in the current week.

Bucs Team News

Pirates meanwhile return to the Premiership desperate for points after dropping to 14th place in the standings following back-to-back defeats to kick off the season. They lost 1-0 at home to Sekhukhune United in their season opener before another defeat on their visit to Marumo Gallants, who overturned a one-goal deficit to register a 2-1 win at Dr Molemela Stadium last Tuesday.

Their two other games have been in the MTN8, where they eased past Polokwane City in the quarterfinals before fighting back to secure a 1-1 draw via a late Kamogelo Sebelebele strike in their home leg of their semifinal clash against Mamelodi Sundowns last Saturday.

The two cup fixtures are the only games where they have avoided defeat so far in the season and they will host Stellenbosch hoping that their encouraging performance from Saturday signals a quick turnaround in fortunes as they aim to steer themselves towards more familiar territory in the top half of the standings. That can only be achieved by registering their first league points of the season on Wednesday night.

The Soweto Giants have the personnel capable enough to do so, as demonstrated by the likes of Sihle Nduli and Lebone Seema, who have stepped up amid injuries to cult heroes such as Nkosinathi Sibisi and Makhehleni Makhaula, while the players such as Thabiso Sesane and Selaelo Rasebotja also continue to recover after suffering knocks during the latter half of the previous campaign.

Head-to-Head

In what is still a relatively new rivalry, which kicked off in the 2019/20 campaign, matches between Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch have not lacked the fireworks normally associated with age-old rivals. Wednesday night’s encounter will be the 13th meeting between the two sides since Stellies’ ascent into the topflight.

The Buccaneers are one victory short of the Maroons’ tally of four wins during this period, having gone two seasons without registering a victory. They have only managed one point out of a possible 12 in this period, and it came through their most recent trip to Danie Craven Stadium, where the game finished in a goalless draw. 

The last time Pirates were victorious in the fixture, they netted two goals in each half before conceding a late consolation goal for a convincing 4-1 win at Orlando Stadium back in January 2023. They have managed two cup wins over Stellies since then, with league victories eluding them for well over two years.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture kicks off at 19:30 with live coverage on SuperSport PSL. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the club’s social media channels.

Tickets to attend the match are available for purchase on OpenTickets.

After mixed fortunes for the two sides in the lead-up to the first act of their eagerly-awaited two-legged tie, the defending champions were looking to turn the corner after a disappointing start to the league campaign. They came up against a Sundowns side still unbeaten in all competitions after registering a league win in midweek.

The clash between two of the biggest sides in South African football kicked off at a high tempo, with Pirates troubling the visitors down the right flank early on. In his first start in Bucs colours, Kamogelo Sebelebele made a storming run to get behind the defence, but was not able to link up with a teammate with his cut back.

Clear-cut chances proved to be a rarity as the pace of the game settled down, with the early period dominated by offside calls. Sundowns winger Tashreeq Matthews looked to have provided the opener, but the flag was up after mistiming his run.

The offside flag also had a say at the other end in the 21st minute when Sebelebele was denied his first goal for Buccaneers, despite replays showing otherwise. It remained goalless until the 36th minute, when Teboho Mokoena headed in from a Sundowns corner delivered by Marcello Allende. It could have quickly become an uphill climb for the hosts, if not for excellent reflexes from Sipho Chaine.

The Bucs shot-stopper kept out a long-range effort from Arthur Sales before having to recover quickly to deny Matthews from point-blank range. Meanwhile, at the other end, Pirates’ attempts at drawing level proved futile, with the visitors denying them opportunities at goal.

The halftime whistle sounded with the Brazilians still in the lead with the Buccaneers’ work cut out for them. They obliged in the second half, turning in an attacking display after the restart. Their initial chances failed to trouble goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, as both Deon Hotto and Patrick Maswanganyi fired well wide with their chances at goal. Chaine remained alert at the other end, thwarting Iqraam Rayners in a one-on-one situation.

His opposite number denied replacement forward Oswin Appollis in the 78th minute, following that up with a save off Evidence Makgopa who had benefited from sloppy defending before getting a shot away. Sebelebele was next to try and find a way past Williams, but the Sundowns shot-stopper was again equal to the task.

Pirates kept on probing, with Makgopa coming just inches from providing the equaliser when his header rattled the upright.

It looked as if it would be another frustrating outing for the hosts, but Sebelebele’s first goal in Bucs colours would not elude him for long. He got on the end of an excellent long ball from captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi, showing a clean pair of heels before firing past Williams for the equaliser with only three minutes of regulation time remaining.

The winger attempted to find a late winner a moment later, with Williams making a save this time around. A similar outcome greeted Mokoena at the other end as Chaine pulled off another great save to keep things level. That turned out to be the last real chance in an entertaining encounter, with the second leg in Atteridgeville set to decide the winner of what has so far been an enthralling tie.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Van Rooyen (Appollis 62’), Hotto, Nduli, Mbatha (Mbule 62’), Maswanganyi (Moremi 72’), Sebelebele, Mofokeng, Makgopa (Radiopane 88’)

A sell-out crowd is expected at the iconic venue for what is undoubtedly the season’s biggest fixture thus far, with two of the country’s biggest clubs going head-to-head in what promises to be another exciting cup clash.

The two Gauteng giants meet in the last four for the third time in the MTN8 era, with the Buccaneers looking to go past one of their biggest foes to keep their hopes of an unprecedented fourth consecutive title alive. It’s an equally important fixture for the visitors, who are looking to end Pirates’ lengthy reign in the competition.

The Opposition

Sundowns visit Soweto fresh off registering their first three-point haul in the league this season, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over AmaZulu at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday night. Their previous Premiership outing yielded a single point as they were held to a 1-1 draw by a stubborn Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium over the weekend.

The match in Gqeberha remains their only away fixture so far this season, with the other two taking place in more familiar territory. They were in Tshwane for their MTN8 quarter-final clash against Richards Bay, where they netted four goals without conceding to open their campaign with a comfortable win in a match played at Lucas Moripe Stadium.

Ahead of their trip to Orlando, the Tshwane Giants have confirmed a couple of permanent exits with ex-Buccaneer Thembinkosi Lorch leaving the club along with midfielder Neo Maema.

All focus will now be on Saturday’s fixture as they aim to place themselves on the driving seat ahead of the deciding leg, which will be taking place in their own backyard.

Bucs Team News

The Buccaneers went past Polokwane City in the opening round, beating them 2-0 at Orlando Stadium to secure a spot in the semis. The high of that season opener was soon followed by a difficult week in the Premiership, where they are yet to register a point.

This is after a 1-0 defeat at home to Sekhukhune on the first match day plus a disappointing midweek outing away from home, where they lost 2-1 to Marumo Gallants at Dr Molemela Stadium.

A break from league football could be a welcome change for the Soweto Giants, who are unbeaten in their eight most recent cup fixtures.

They head into the clash with an injury worry over Nkosinathi Sibisi, who missed the trip to Bloemfontein with vice-captain Mbekezeli Mbokazi taking over the armband. Defender Olisa Ndah also remains sidelined alongside veteran midfielder Makhehleni Makhaula, with both players yet to feature this season.

There are options aplenty for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou however, as Pirates look to get back to winning ways on their return to a competition they have dominated in recent years.

Head-to-Head

Pirates go into the fixture looking to not only draw first blood in the tie, but to also uphold a proud record against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8. They have not lost to their rivals from Tshwane in the competition’s current format, which consists of two-legged semifinals.

They have competed twice in the last four, with the Buccaneers pulling past the Brazilians on both occasions, courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate score in the 2011/12 edition and a 3-0 win en route to lifting the 2022/23 title.

Their other clash during this period was in the final held at Moses Mabhida Stadium in October 2023, where the Soweto Giants lifted the second of three consecutive trophies with victory on penalties following a goalless draw.

Sundowns’ last win over Pirates in top-eight competition came in 2007, when an early strike from Brent Carelse handed them a tight 1-0 win in the final.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

Kick-off is at 15:00 with the match broadcast live on SuperSport PSL and SABC 1. You can also follow the action as it happens by keeping an eye on live updates posted across Orlando Pirates’ social media platforms.

Tickets are sold out.

It was the second loss in as many league fixtures for Soweto Giants, who visited Bahlabane Ba Ntwa at Dr Molemela Stadium for their first away in the ongoing campaign.

Pirates displayed intent from the opening minutes, forcing Gallants goalkeeper Washington Arubi into an early save. The shot came from the boot of striker Boitumelo Radiopane, whose left-footed effort was kept out by the Zimbabwean international.

Debutant Lebone Seema followed that up with a headed effort from the resultant corner, but was unable to direct the ball on target. Arubi was called upon once more in the seventh minute when he effected a crucial touch to keep out a threatening cross from Tshepho Mashiloane on the right flank.

The Buccaneers’ continued to dictate matters and were rewarded in the 16th minute when Deon Hotto got on the end of an excellent long ball from stand-in skipper Mbekezeli Mbokazi before linking up with Patrick Maswanganyi, who expertly guided the ball into the net.

The goal sprung the hosts into action as they threatened the Bucs penalty area in their pursuit for the equaliser.

Arubi remained the busier of the two keepers, however, and continued to stand between the visitors and a more substantial lead. He denied Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis in quick succession with Radiopane also failing to breach his defences with an attempt from point-blank range.

Scores were level on the stroke of halftime, following sustained pressure placed on the Bucs defence by the hosts. Winger Daniel Msendami found the decisive touch, firing past a diving Sipho Chaine to make it 1-1.

Looking to restore their lead as they emerged from the tunnel, Pirates continued to enjoy most of the possession. This was without too many clear-cut chances as Gallants absorbed the pressure throughout the opening minutes of the second period.

Replacement striker Evidence Makgopa went agonisingly close shortly after being substituted in as he collected a cross from Hotto before firing just wide from close range. Sinoxolo Kwayiba was on target with his effort late in the game but could not find a way past Arubi.

The breakthrough came at the other end of the pitch as the home side delivered a dagger deep in injury time. Substitute forward Jaisen Clifford provided the late winner as he fired in from close range.

There wasn’t enough time on the clock for Pirates to launch a comeback, with the final whistle eventually sounding. It confirmed another loss for the Buccaneers, who are still yet to get off the mark in the league this season.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Seema, Mbokazi, Mashiloane, Hotto, Nduli, Mariko (Kwayiba 69’), Maswanganyi, Moremi (Mofokeng 57’), Appollis (Sebelebele 85’), Radiopane (Makgopa 57’).

The fixture pits one of the league’s oldest clubs against one of the youngest, drawing another chapter in what is still a new yet exciting rivalry. It also marks Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s return to his previous home as he looks to collect the Soweto Giants’ first Premiership points in the new season.

It’s a match-up between two sides currently placed on opposite ends of the league table, following the results of what was an exciting opening weekend of league clashes.

The Opposition

Gallants occupy the top eight in the standings after the first game week after their victory over Richards Bay over the weekend. It was the perfect start to newly-appointed head coach Alexandre Laffite, who got his tenure off to a winning start despite finishing the game with 10 men.

Goals from ex-Bucs Reserves forward Bheki Mabuza and newly-recruited midfielder Simo Mbhele handed them a 2-1 win at King Zwelithini Stadium, which propelled them to fourth place in the standings. It came at a cost however, with skipper Edgar Manaka suspended for the clash following his 39th minute red card.

They have enough cover in midfield in the form of Dimakatso Mashao, Pathutshedzo Nange, and Mkhuseli Rampa. There are also a few new arrivals in the form of both goal-scorers from the weekend, along with Teboho Motloung and Jaisen Cliiford who both formed part of their match day squad over the weekend. 

Bucs Team News

With Tshepho Mashiloane and Kamogelo Sebelebele, two more Buccaneers debuted in the defeat to Sekhukhune while the likes of Sipho Mbule and Oswin Appollis made their first Premiership appearances in the club’s colours. There could be more new faces in the match day squad with Masindi Nemtajela and Sinoxolo Kwayiba both yet to feature, while Nkosikhona Ndaba inched closer to a competitive appearance when he was included on the bench against Babina Noko.

All available options could contribute towards the Buccaneers’ first league points of the season after they failed to get off the mark on home turf when they fell to a 1-0 defeat on Saturday night.

In their first away outing of the season, three fixtures in across competitions, Pirates are looking to get back to winning ways having found themselves deep in the bottom half of the table early on in their campaign. They are in unfamiliar territory in 13th place – a fair distance away from their second-place finish in the previous season.

Awaiting them is a high-flying Gallants outfit looking for back-to-back victories for the first time in their two opening fixtures since first ascending into the top flight.

Head-to-Head

Pirates’ dominance in the fixture was halted abruptly on their last visit to the Free State when they fell to a 2-0 defeat at the hands of their new mentor back in March this year. It was their first league defeat in an unbeaten run of eight matches, which included four straight wins against Tuesday’s hosts.

Five of the eight previous fixtures have ended in victory for the Buccaneers, with an 8-1 win at Orlando Stadium accounting for half of the goals scored by the Soweto Giants in fixtures between the two sides. A total of 20 goals have been scored with the hosts only accounting for four.

Half of Gallants’ goals came in the most recent fixture where they not only breached Pirates’ defences for the first time at home, but also claimed their first maximum points hauling their own turf.

The Buccaneers’ have claimed five league victories in eight attempts against Bahlabane ba Ntwa, with two of those occurring away from home.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The fixture kicks off at 19:30 with live coverage on SuperSport PSL. Orlando Pirates will provide live updates across the club’s social media channels.

Tickets are available for purchase online on Computicket as well as selected outlets nationwide.

After finishing second in the previous term, the Buccaneers were chasing their first three points of the 2025/26 season at home to a side that finished two spots below them. It was the second outing of the current campaign for both sides with the Soweto Giants looking to make it back-to-back wins at home after last weekend’s cup success, while their opponents were looking for a similar result in their second game on the road. 

Pirates did not immediately have a lot to show for their dominance in possession with the visitors getting the better of the early chances. It took only three minutes for Sekhukhune to find their first attempt at goal as Katlego Letlapa shot fizzed just wide of the target.

The hosts’ best chance in the early exchanges came through a bit of fortune when Deon Hotto’s cross towards Boitumelo Radiopane was deflected straight to the Babina Noko by defender Daniel Cardoso. Forward momentum however, remained with the visitors who had another chance through veteran striker Bradley Grobler, whose effort from inside the box was well wide.

It was only after the end of the first quarter that the Buccaneers found their real shot in anger, and it came through Sipho Mbule who drew a save off Renaldo Leaner with a powerful shot from range in the 27th minute. Patrick Maswanganyi followed this up with another effort from distance, failing to trouble the Sekhukhune shot-stopper.

The best chance of the first half came on the stroke of halftime when Oswin Appollis’ diagonal ball was met by Relebohile Mofokeng. The 20-year-old cut inside from the left flank, curling a shot towards goal and placing it narrowly wide of the target.

The start of the second period yielded the breakthrough, netted by Sekhukhune midfielder Siphesihle Mhlongo who collected a rebound from an earlier shot before knocking the ball past the goal line to put his side ahead three minutes after the restart.

The Bucs wall held up well to another attempt at their goal as the visitors searched for their second through a free kick just outside the penalty area soon after.

It was one-way traffic for the remainder of the contest with Pirates looking to draw level, sending men forward in an effort to force the decisive touch. Replacement midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko had a few off-target attempts at goal, while defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi was denied by the upright after a headed effort from a set piece.

The pursuit for the equaliser continued deep into final minutes with striker Yanela Mbuthuma doing all the hard work in manoeuvring to make firm contact with a cross from Hotto, only to direct his header over the crossbar. Kabelo Dlamini had a last-gasp shot at goal, but Leaner was placed at the perfect spot to effect a comfortable save.

Such was the theme on the evening as Pirates’ best efforts at coming away with something on their season opener proved futile, with Sekhukhune eventually taking all points on offer.

Pirates XI: Chaine, Sibisi, Mbokazi, Mashiloane (Moremi 83’), Hotto, Nduli, Mbule (Mariko 57’), Maswanganyi (Dlamini 83’), Mofokeng, Appollis (Sebelebele 67’), Radiopane (Mbuthuma 57’).

It’s the first of 30 games in a marathon race for league supremacy among the 16 elite teams in South Africa, with the coveted Premiership title up for grabs at the end of the season.

Under new mentorship, the Buccaneers resume their pursuit of what has been one of their more elusive titles in recent years. Their opponents meanwhile look to build on the momentum from recent campaigns, having established themselves as a growing force on the domestic scene.

Both teams enjoyed cup success over the past weekend, and the focus this time around will be on securing maximum points to kick off the season.  

The Opposition

Fresh off finishing in fourth place and equalling their best-ever finish since gaining promotion to the top flight, Sekhukhune United are looking to continue on their upward trajectory. They have become a permanent fixture in the top half of the league table in the past three seasons and are set for another appearance in CAF interclub competition. They will be eager to enhance their chances of making the cut once more through a good result in one of the toughest trips they will undertake in the upcoming season.

Babina Noko have a mixed record in opening league fixtures, winning just once in four attempts. They have emerged on the losing side twice, with one game finishing level. That stalemate came in their only previous away fixture on Match Day 1, when they played to a 1-1 scoreline against Maritzburg United at Harry Gwala Stadium at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

They will be confident of an early-season upset, having dusted off the cobwebs with a fighting 3-2 victory in the MTN8 against TS Galaxy last Saturday. That fixture showcased some of the new arrivals in the camp, with the likes of two-goal hero Bradley Grobler and ex-Bucs midfielder Miguel Timm making an immediate impact on debut. 

The additions to the squad include two veteran goalkeepers in Zambian international Toaster Nsabata – back at the club after a short stint at ZESCO United – and former Polokwane City shot-stopper Manuel Sapunga. There is more Premiership experience in the new faces brought in to bolster the attack with attacking midfielder Ronaldo Maarman joining from Chippa United while striker Wonderboy Makhubu made the move from Limpopo rivals Magesi.

Bucs Team News

Much like their rivals, Pirates have been among the more active clubs in the transfer market. Five of the club’s new signings got a chance to run out at Orlando Stadium in last weekend’s cup outing.

More could make their first official appearance in Bucs colours this weekend as new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou takes charge in his first league game in charge of the team.  Among the first-team hopefuls are Kamogelo Sebelebele and Tshepho Mashiloane – both unused subs against Polokwane – as well as the likes of Masindi Nemtajela and Lebone Seema, who both did not feature in the game.

All have a chance to help the Buccaneers to a dream start to the campaign as they look to improve on their previous showing in the league, where they finished with a handy tally of 61 points from 28 matches to secure yet another appearance in the CAF Champions League after finishing in second place.

Pirates have generally done well in opening league fixtures played on home turf, and are undefeated in their last three with their only loss occurring on the road when they went down 1-0 to Stellenbosch at the start of the 2023/24 season. The men from the Winelands are also the last team to walk away from Orlando with a point on the first game week, having done so through a 2-2 stalemate in August 2021.

Moroka Swallows and Chippa United have since attempted to stun the Soweto Giants on their turf early on in the season, but it was the home side that succeeded in kicking things off with maximum points on both occasions.

The hosts could extend that streak on Saturday, but will have to be on top of their game as they face an unpredictable Sekhukhune outfit.

Head-to-Head

Pirates hold a slight edge in this fixture in terms of head-to-head results, having won four of their league matches against Sekhukhune. They have emerged on the losing side three times with only one match ending in a draw.

Sekhukhune were however the last to claim maximum points in the fixture, doing so at Orlando Stadium in April when they clinched a tight 1-0 win through a second-half strike from Tresor Yamba. It was their first away victory against the Buccaneers, who have won twice and drawn one game in Soweto since first crossing paths with Babina Noko.

Things are evenly split in terms of goals scored, with each team breaching the other’s defences eight times during their young rivalry.

TV Coverage and Ticket Info

The match will kick off at 17:30, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport PSL (202). Live updates will be provided across Orlando Pirates social media platforms throughout the game

A confessed Bucs fan, the Thembisa-born winger is one of several new faces in the squad that was assembled ahead of the 2025/26 season. He made the move from Mpumalanga outfit TS Galaxy, where he had risen through the ranks before making his Premiership debut against a team he admired growing up.

He has had weeks to acclimatise to his new surroundings and had the opportunity to soak in the electric atmosphere of Orlando Stadium from the bench in the MTN8 opener against Polokwane City. Recounting his first few weeks at the club, the 23-year-old shared his delight at donning the famous black and white.

“It has been good,” he said in his first exclusive interview with Orlandopiratesfc.com. “I’m so grateful to be here, and looking forward to helping the team and contributing in trying to win the league, CAF Champions League and many other trophies.”

His move came after an impressive season for the Rockets, which earned him a call-up to South Africa’s COSAFA Cup squad in the offseason. His performances earned him a spot in the competition’s Team of the Tournament, further underlining his consistency.

By then, he had already drawn keen interest from a few suitors with the Buccaneers eventually capturing his services. The versatile player revealed that it was his heart that led him to Soweto.

“Obviously, Orlando Pirates is a big team,” he said. Everyone wants to play for Orlando Pirates. One of the reasons I chose the club is because I grew up supporting Orlando Pirates.”

A step up to one of the continent’s biggest clubs does come with its own unique demands, and Sebelebele is aware that things will not be easy. He revealed that he is looking forward to the challenge that comes with the big change.

“I am looking forward to that challenge,” he said. “I know it won’t be easy. I have to push and focus on improving and helping the team.”

A big chance awaits Sebelebele, who has his sights set on Pirates’ next fixture. They face a tricky foe in Sekhukhune United in their Betway Premiership opener at Orlando Stadium. He has emphasised the importance of putting on another good performance in front of the passionate Bucs faithful.

“Every game is tough in this league but obviously, Orlando Pirates is a big team and we can’t afford to lose against any team in the league. They are coming to Orlando so we have to win.”

A debut could be on the cards for Sebelebele in the all-too-important fixture, which gets underway on Saturday at 17:30.

As the Soweto Giants kick off another highly-anticipated league campaign, which begins this Saturday at Orlando Stadium where they host Sekhukhune United, fans can secure their seats for this exciting fixture along with all the Bucs home games throughout what promises to be yet another exciting race for league supremacy.

Your Season Ticket grants you access to all Betway Premiership home fixtures held on the club’s iconic turf. The ticket is also valid for the home Soweto Derby against rivals Kaizer Chiefs, scheduled to take place at FNB Stadium in April 2026.

Tickets for the MTN8, Nedbank Cup and other cup fixtures can be purchased separately on OpenTickets. 

How to Get Your Season Ticket

You can purchase your Season Tickets by visiting OpenTickets online. All tickets are sold digitally and will be displayed on a mobile device, added to a Google Wallet or an Apple Wallet. This is to ensure a seamless match day experience, real-time updates and easy ticket transfers.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR FANS PURCHASING A SEASON TICKET

How do I purchase the seasonal tickets?

• You will need to visit the Opentickets website at https://www.Opentickets.co.za click on the Season Tickets option and follow the steps to purchase your season ticket package.

Are these tickets only available for sale online?

• Yes, these tickets are only available for purchase online via the Opentickets portal at https://www.Openticketss.co.za.

Who do I contact should I encounter difficulties with registration or purchasing?

• For enquiries, please contact Vivian Monaisa via email at vivian@stadiummanagement.co.za, alternatively on mobile number +27 11 247 5300.

What matches are included in the 2022/23 season ticket?

• General Stand Tickets for all OPFC PSL Betway Premiership home fixtures at Orlando Stadium during the 2025/2026 season.
• Includes General Stand tickets to the PSL Betway Premiership 2025/2026 OPFC Derby and the Mamelodi Sundown’s Fixture played at FNB Stadium.

What is the restriction of tickets that I can purchase?

• Each profile is limited to purchase 10 seasonal packages – this is for the benefit of group purchases.

What additional benefits are included when purchasing the season ticket?

• Dedicated Fast Lane at the access gate for season ticket holders.
• Hospitality Discount: 25% off any hospitality package purchased for OPFC PSL Betway Premiership home fixtures at Orlando Stadium for the 2025/2026 season (excluding the OPFC Derby). Limited to a maximum of 5 packages per season ticket holder.

How do I get my tickets for each game?

• All matches included in the package will be preloaded onto your personalized PVC OPFC branded season ticket card.

• Your PVC OPFC branded season ticket card will serve as your match ticket al will be scanned at the entry gates.

Who will communicate to me regarding the next steps for the next game?

• You will receive a welcome email once you have purchased your ticket, for enquiries, please contact Vivian Monaisa via email at vivian@stadiummanagement.co.za alternatively on Office number +27 11 247 5300
• Season ticket cards to be collected at the Pirates Shop at Orlando Stadium.

Can I cancel my seasonal ticket?

• No

Can I transfer my purchase to someone else?

• No, unfortunately tickets are non-transferable

“This is more than a sponsorship, it’s a celebration of the people and connections that define South African football. Amstel’s focus on quality friendships and authentic fan connection aligns seamlessly with Pirates’ history, heritage, and future. This partnership reflects a new era rooted in mutual respect and a shared belief in quality over compromise,” said Sindi Sibisi, Orlando Pirates Marketing Manager.

The partnership will come to life through a series of fan-focused experiences, both in–stadium and beyond, all designed to elevate matchday into a celebration of connection, passion, and pride.

“At Amstel, we’ve always recognised quality, and Orlando Pirates embody that. They’re more than a football team; they’re a symbol of legacy and leadership. We believe great beer brings people together, but it’s great friendships that make those moments last.

This announcement signals a changing landscape in local football, one where fans are ready for something meaningful. We’re here to build a real bond, with the club, and with the fans,” added Andrea Quaye, Heineken Beverages Marketing Director.

Club legend Happy Jele concluded, “At Pirates, doing things the right way has always mattered, how we play, how we carry ourselves, how we connect. This partnership with Amstel isn’t just about beer, it’s about belief. Belief in legacy, belief in quality, and belief in unity. That’s what makes it special.”

The 22-year-old joined the Buccaneers during the off-season, signing from Malian giants Djoliba FC after consistent showings in both domestic and continental competition. Having built a growing reputation as one of the rising stars in his country’s top division, he was also one of their stars in a CAF Champions League campaign where they reached the group stages. 

While the five other Bucs debutants had already showcased their abilities at the famous turf in Soweto in previous seasons, the MTN8 quarter-final fixture was a grand introduction for the midfielder. He featured in the final 20 minutes, raising the sell-out crowd’s noise levels a few decibels with some neat touches in what was a solid cameo. 

After doing more than enough to pique the interest of local football lovers, Mariko has shared a bit more insight into his football journey, crediting his former club for its role in shaping the player he is. 

“Football has always played a big role in my life – from street games to training academies – I’ve always chased this dream,” Mariko revealed in an exclusive interview withOrlandopiratesfc.com; “Joining Djoliba was a major step in my career. It’s one of the biggest clubs in Mali, and it helped me grow both technically and mentally. It was at Djoliba that I truly understood what it means to be a professional footballer.” 

Having grown up admiring legendary Ivorian midfielder Yaya Toure, along with French international N’Golo Kante – a player of Malian heritage – Mariko was inspired by their work ethic, humility, and intelligence on the pitch. Some of these qualities were on display in his brief cameo on Saturday. 

He describes the moment he called onto the field for his Bucs debut as one of great pride and emotion.

“Wearing the Pirates jersey for the first time felt like a dream come true,” he said. “I knew I was representing a club with great history, pride, and passionate supporters – I felt a deep responsibility to give my best.”

That emotion was evident prior to stepping onto the field, with camera lenses catching a poignant moment from the Bucs dugout. Mariko was captured with his first official Pirates match jersey in his hand, as if taking a minute to absorb what the opportunity meant. 

He revealed the thoughts that raced through his mind as his big moment approached.

“At that moment, I was filled with gratitude and determination. I thought about all the sacrifices it took to get there. I was mentally preparing myself, ready to seize the opportunity and show what I’m capable of.”

The spell at Djoliba will have given Mariko a glimpse into what it means to represent a club where much is expected. The Bamako-based outfit boasts the most topflight titles in Mali and is a consistent presence in CAF interclub competition. 

He also is well aware of the prestige of representing the 1995 Champions League winners. 

“Playing for Orlando Pirates is more than just football, it’s about representing a legacy,” he said. “It means discipline, honour, and a commitment to excellence. I feel blessed to be part of such a prestigious club.”

As he continues to introduce himself to the Bucs faithful, Mariko has expressed gratitude for the rousing welcome he has received since joining the club.

“To the fans, I want to say thank you for the warm welcome and your support. You can expect me to always give 100%, with passion and commitment in every match. I will work hard to make you proud and help the team achieve its goals.”

Mariko is closing in on another debut, with the Soweto Giants set to kick off their league campaign against Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. The match is scheduled to get underway at 17:30.