Heart of Lions Overview

Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, February 2026

Pirates get Casric warning ahead of Nedbank Cup - 'the stadium and fans will not be the ones playing'

For the second successive match in this competition, the Buccaneers have been drawn against lower-division opposition. They are aiming to reclaim the trophy they last lifted in 2024 before being dethroned by Kaizer Chiefs last season. The Sea Robbers have been cautioned against the opponents they will be coming up against.

Tshakhuma blasted for giving Pirates 'free Round of 16 pass'

Although the Sea Robbers managed a convincing victory in the Round of 32, questions have been raised about whether they were favoured by the circumstances. TTM decided to host the Premier Soccer League heavyweights in Durban, instead of their usual home in Limpopo, a move that has been said to have handed Bucs an advantage.

Nedbank Cup Wrap: Richards Bay eliminate Siwelele as ex-Chiefs target fires Galaxy into Round of 16

The Natal Rich Boys join other clubs, including Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, in the next phase of a competition where a new champion is expected. Defending champions Kaizer Chiefs were eliminated as the remaining teams continue chasing the CAF Confederation Cup ticket by winning the annual competition.

Andre de Jong, Daniel Msendami and Kamogelo Sebelebele, Orlando Pirates

Ouaddou demands more from Pirates players after Tshakhuma victory, insists 'the four goals we scored weren’t enough'

The Buccaneers gave themselves a strong chance to stay on course for a historic quadruple with a convincing victory over third-tier opponents. Despite the emphatic scoreline, their coach was far from being satisfied with the performance. His reaction underlined just how determined the Buccaneers are to lift this trophy.

Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates, October 2025

Khanye hails Mbatha as the ‘Engine’ driving Pirates

The 25-year-old midfielder delivered a stellar performance on Saturday afternoon in the David versus Goliath clash against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila, contributing a goal and walking away with the Man of the Match accolade.

Ouaddou picks positives from Nedbank Cup match but calls for 'More killer instinct'

The Buccaneers cruised to victory against Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila in a well-packed Moses Mabhida Stadium. While goals rained in, the Moroccan mentor remained far from satisfied, insisting that his troops could and should improve their finishing to make their dominance more clinical.

Pos	Team		P	W	D	L	F	A	+/-	PTS	Form
8	Debibi		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
9	Dreams FC		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
10	Heart of Lions		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
11	Hearts of Oak		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
12	Holy Stars		0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0

Pirates get Casric warning ahead of Nedbank Cup - 'the stadium and fans will not be the ones playing'

Tshakhuma blasted for giving Pirates 'free Round of 16 pass'

Nedbank Cup Wrap: Richards Bay eliminate Siwelele as ex-Chiefs target fires Galaxy into Round of 16

Ouaddou demands more from Pirates players after Tshakhuma victory, insists 'the four goals we scored weren’t enough'

Khanye hails Mbatha as the ‘Engine’ driving Pirates

Ouaddou picks positives from Nedbank Cup match but calls for 'More killer instinct'

Standings

1. Division

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