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Why Pirates can dethrone Sundowns & clinch PSL title

The Buccaneers are desperate to end their lengthy Premier Soccer League [PSL] title drought, and this season, it appears they have a golden opportunity. The Soweto giants are currently in the driver’s seat as far as the title race is concerned, and they have it all in their hands to ensure they finish at the top.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Ouaddou fires shots at Sundowns, declaring Pirates will ‘fight until the end’ for the title

The Buccaneers, three points clear of Masandawana at the summit, stretched their unbeaten league run to 10 matches with a decisive 2‑0 victory over Durban City. The clash, played on Saturday, 29 November, marked their final Premiership outing of 2025, sending Pirates into the Africa Cup of Nations break firmly in contention for the title.

Ouaddou explains 'the most difficult' part about leading the PSL title race after dislodging Sundowns

The Buccaneers are threatening what had become the order of the league as Masandawana dominated season in, season out. The Brazilians' record-extending Premier Soccer League titles could be stopped by the Soweto giants who have presented their title credentials as determined contenders. Making the Ghost favourites to be crowned champions is how they have reached this stage of the season without allowing the Tshwane giants to pull away on the standings. They are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run in the league, a bold statement about their seriousness of the biggest trophy in South African football.

Ouaddou vows 'I will shake their hands but my focus is on the CKC final' as Pirates coach eyes cup double

The Buccaneers are riding high after climbing to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings, three points clear of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Their rise was sealed from a decisive 2‑0 victory over Durban City at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, 29 November, a result that confirmed Pirates’ place at the summit.

Orlando Pirates, Durban City, November 2025

'Apologise to Ouaddou for calling him a plumber! Pirates are champions; Mofokeng is off to Morocco'

By picking up yet another win, the Sea Robbers are building up perfect momentum for the Carling Knockout Cup final against Marumo Gallants. Against Durban City, players showed individual brilliance and team brilliance, a testament that Abdeslam Ouadou's rotation policy could be working. Although they started the season struggling, the Sea Robbers have made their way to the top of the Premier Soccer League standings and are now sending a clear signal that they are serious title contenders.

Predicting Pirates' XI vs Durban City: headache for Ouaddou - Ndah or Seema?

After picking up yet another Premier Soccer League win against Chippa United, Bucs will be hunting for more points when they visit Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday to face Durban City. The Sea Robbers are on a three-match winning run across all competitions, and the game against the PSL debutants is a chance for them to make it four straight wins. There was a sigh of relief for Pirates after Makhehlene Makhaula came back from a long-term injury, and the experienced midfielder featured against Chippa at Orlando Stadium, although as a second-half substitute.

Patrick Maswanganyi, Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates

Pirates stars face possible ban ahead of important fixture

As Bucs eye yet another trophy this season, they might chase the domestic glory without players who have been phenomenal for them. It largely depends on how head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will play his cards in regard to the players in danger of missing the cup final. Their opponents are also not safe, as they could also miss equally crucial players for the final.

Bucs' Bafana dominance draws praise from Ouaddou

The Soweto giants are steadily taking over the South African national team by sheer demand, and it comes as no surprise — their form and squad depth speak for themselves. They became the first side in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to lift a trophy. Despite the CAF Champions League setback, they are already chasing more success as they prepare to feature in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month. They also sit level on 25 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on the league table, separated only by goal difference.

Hugo Broos, Thembinkosi Lorch, Themba Zwane & Shandre Campbell, South Africa 16-9

Broos’ AFCON squad blueprint: Ruthless cuts, veteran returns & youth rising

The Belgian has opened a wide, ambitious window with his preliminary AFCON squad - an orchestra of veterans, disruptors and bold prospects that must be cut to 27. The selections signal a team designed for multiple tempos: patience when games tighten, speed when they fracture and enough nerve to suffer. This is not a list; it’s the architecture of how Bafana want to win.

PSL delivers crucial CKC final update ahead of Pirates-Gallants showdown

This was the remaining crucial piece of information regarding the domestic competition whose ultimate duel will go down on December 6 in Polokwane. The organisers of the tournament had already announced that Peter Mokaba Stadium would host the final game involving the PSL clubs. Now, it is all systems go as football fanatics await to see who will be crowned the winner as Bucs eye their second domestic trophy.

Ouaddou tells Appollis 'don't be surprised' if he is benched

There was an element of surprise again when the Moroccan tactician opted to bench the Bafana forward who has been a key player for his team. The 24-year-old came on in the second half and played a crucial role in Bucs' 2-0 victory against struggling Chippa United. Ouaddou was put to task to explain why the new signing did not start, and he defended his selection, saying every player on his team needs to be given playing and rest time.

No Mbokazi and Nduli, No Problem! Pirates' Ouaddou praises Ndah & Makhaula

The Buccaneers have been navigating the season trying to have balance in their matchday squads, especially due to injuries to key players. This has become a real test of their squad depth in a campaign where they still have the chance to finish with a treble or even four trophies. Being knocked out of the CAF Champions League has eased their schedule and reduced the strain on their players. With fewer responsibilities, they can now channel their full energy into achieving success on the domestic front.

Is Mbokazi to Chicago Fire a done deal? Pirates issue update after Chippa win

The Buccaneers were in action for the first time since news tipping Mbokazi to join Chicago Fire broke over the weekend. The 20-year-old has been one of the top performers not only for Bucs, but South Africa in 2025. His exploits for both club and country have not gone unnoticed, as there is reported interest in his services from abroad, but how close is the young man nicknamed 'TLB' to leaving Pirates?

Boitumelo Radiopane and Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates

Where is Pirates star? Agent clarifies as transfer speculation intensifies

His absence from recent matchday squads has raised questions, forcing his agent to clear the air amid his absence. The arrival of head coach Adeslam Ouaddou gave the forward a new lease of life, as he was the preferred striker when the season began. Speculation around his future has intensified over the recent weeks, but what has kept him out of the team has been revealed.

Abdeslam Ouaddou,Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Thalente Mbatha and Relebohile Mofokeng

Predicting Pirates' XI vs Chippa: Ndah set to replace Mbokazi?

After the FIFA international break, the Buccaneers are back at Orlando Stadium to entertain the Chilli Boys, knowing a win might put them on top of the table, depending on the number of goals they score. The Sea Robbers are chasing a double, having claimed a 3-0 win in their previous meeting staged at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Will Pirates cope without Mbokazi? 🤔

The Soweto giants are hoping to mount a serious challenge for the Premier Soccer League title this season under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. They might have started the league campaign on a poor note with back-to-back defeats, but they have since come good and look like a team prepared to go the distance.

Frequently asked questions

: Kylian Mbappe prefers to play on the left wing in attack, although he has been used as a striker in recent years, first by Didier Deschamps for France, then by his ex-boss Luis Enrique at his former club PSG, and now by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
: Kylian Mbappe was born in the 19th arrondissement of Paris in France.
: Kylian Mbappe completed his much-anticipated move to Real Madrid in the summer of 2024 and chose to wear the No.9, previously worn by his former French national teammate and Real Madrid's second highest goalscorer of all-time, Karim Benzema.
: Kylian Mbappe stands at 1.78m (5ft 11in), with his height not regarded as one of his strengths.
: Kylian Mbappe weighs 75kg (165 lbs), making him one of the fastest footballers on the planet.
: In 2004, Kylian Mbappe joined AS Bondy, a club from Bondy, Seine-Saint-Denis, located in the northeastern suburbs of Paris, where he was raised as a child. He attended trials at clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea, before eventually signing for Monaco's academy at the age of 14.
: No. Kylian Mbappe is yet to become a father.
: While Kylian Mbappe is known to keep his relationships away from the public eye, he is currently rumoured to be dating Belgian model Stephanie Rose Bertram. He is yet to get married, though.

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