+18 | Commercial Content | T&C's Apply | Play Responsibly | Publishing Principles
Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage
Kiplagat Sang

Orlando Pirates tipped to win PSL and CAF Champions League titles as nothing is 'hindering' the Buccaneers from winning the most coveted trophies

Analysing the coach's tactics and the output by every player that gets minutes to play, the legend has predicted the Soweto giants will be a force to reckon with this season. Bucs have a good start in the continental campaign and in the league; their momentum has picked up despite a slow start.

  • Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    Unstoppable Pirates?

    Orlando Pirates legend Albert Mahlangu believes that Bucs are unstoppable in the 2025/26 season, and he has tipped them to win the Premier Soccer League and CAF Champions League titles. 

    Bashin, as the former Bucs star is known, believes the Sea Robbers' competitive level has not dropped from last and is even better this time around.   

    Head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's strategy has been praised, and Mahlangu is confident the Moroccan will succeed.

    • Advertisement
  • Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpage

    Bucs on another level!

    "We are on another level right now. We've continued from where we left off last season, and the coach is still working on putting together his ideal team," Mahlangu told KickOff.

    "The squad rotation strategy is effective as the coach discovers the best combinations of players. He is figuring out who plays well together. 

    "I believe Abdeslam Ouaddou will excel in these competitions. Who would have thought that Jose Riveiro would perform so well in both the league and the Champions League?" he asked.

    "In today’s football, names don’t matter; hard work and teamwork are what count. It’s important that we don’t rely on just one player."

  • Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi & Cemran Dansin, Orlando Pirates, September 2025Backpagepix

    General output

    Oauddou has managed to integrate the new players and the ones he already found, and it looks like he has managed to forge a working chemistry in the team, a perspective that Mahlangu agrees with.

    "Everyone should step up their game. For instance, at Orlando Pirates, everyone is contributing goals. I'm pleased that we are not depending on a single player for our scoring," he observed.  

    "To be honest, Orlando Pirates must win the league this season [Betway Premiership] and also secure the second star [CAF Champions League]. I don’t see anything hindering Pirates in this campaign."

  • Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule and Thalente Mbatha, Orlando Pirates MTN8 2025Backpage

    One trophy already in the bag

    Pirates managed to defend the MTN8 Cup, and that means their morale is already boosted by the fact that they have a new trophy in the cabinet in the ongoing season.

    Their momentum has picked up in the PSL, as they enjoy a four-match winning streak despite the fact that they lost the first two games. 

    In the Champions League, the Sea Robbers booked their place in the second preliminary round after a commanding 7-0 aggregate win over Lioli FC.    

  • Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, August 2025Backpage

    Can Pirates stop Mamelodi Sundowns?

    In the past three seasons, the Buccaneers have challenged the Tshwane giants in the league title race, and in all attempts, they could not dethrone the defending champions.

    In Jose Riveiro's last season, the Soweto giants reached the semi-final of the Champions League but were eliminated by the eventual winners, Pyramids FC. 

    Under Ouaddou, it remains to be seen how far Pirates can advance this season.