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Phuti Mohafe, Polokwane City

Pirates aren't winning it! PSL coach explains what will deny Bucs league title

The Premier Soccer League title race is fast turning into a two-horse race between the Buccaneers and Mamelodi Sundowns. But even then, some are ready to put their money on Masandawana winning the race again despite the Ghost showing a strong interest in the title. One of those who is sceptical about the Sea Robbers winning the league is the Polokwane City coach, and he has his reasons.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates

Africa’s best league? Ouaddou slams ‘unacceptable’ pitch conditions after Polokwane City win

The Sea Robbers had to rely on a late show to overcome a stubborn Rise and Shine outfit, with second-half strikes from Relebohile Mofokeng and Patrick Maswanganyi doing the damage. However, the wet and uneven conditions made life difficult for the Soweto giants, leading Ouaddou to question why a Premier Soccer League fixture was not moved to the modern World Cup venue situated right next door.

Orlando Pirates, March 2026

Polokwane vs Pirates: Preview, Kick-off time & Squad news

With Bucs' focus solely on the league title, it means they are expected to go full throttle against their opponents and secure points. The gap at the top is quite slim because the Soweto giants only lead Mamelodi Sundowns by an insignificant goal difference. The midweek clash is another crucial game for the Buccaneers because a win will help them remain in the neck-and-neck title battle, and a loss would see them cede some ground.

Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, February 2026

Predicted Pirates' XI vs Richards Bay: Mbule fit & available, will Ouaddou hand him a starting spot?

The Buccaneers will host the Natal Rich Boyz at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Wednesday. The KwaZulu-Natal side will come in high on confidence, having secured three points against Kaizer Chiefs in their last league match. However, for the Sea Robbers, every point is crucial at this stage, and they are laser-focused on the title race, while the visitors are striving to climb the standings and secure a coveted top-eight finish.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates

Ouaddou on Derby masterclass - 'We spoke to players to try and manage their emotions'

The Derby is one of the most emotionally charged fixtures in South African football, where nerves and pressure can either inspire brilliance or lead to costly mistakes. By focusing on emotional control and mental readiness in the build-up, Ouaddou appears to have struck the right chord, a psychological approach that translated into a composed and ruthless performance from the Buccaneers.

Sipho Mbule, Bafana Bafana

Lesson for Mbule? Bucs star told what to do amid difficulties at Pirates

The absence of the midfielder from the Buccaneers starting line-up has been very conspicuous in the last few matches. What makes his absence even more noticeable is the fact that he had an impressive run in the first round of the season, and many expected the former Mamelodi Sundowns star to be as important in the second round. Should he continue to experience limited playtime, then his chances of making it into the Bafana Bafana World Cup squad will be jeopardised.

Frequently asked questions

Lionel Messi is a versatile attacker who has featured both through the middle and in a free role from the right, allowing him to cut inside on to his stronger left foot.

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario, Santa Fe, in Argentina on June 24, 1987.

The Argentine maestro wears the number he has been known to don for the majority of his career, the No. 10, at MLS outfit Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi is often among the shortest players on a football pitch, standing at just 1.70m (5ft 7in). However, it is due to his low center of gravity which has made him one of the most fearsome forces to be reckoned with in football history.

Lionel Messi weighs 67kg (148 lbs), his low weight aiding him in gaining high bursts of acceleration and gliding past defenders as if they were never there.

Lionel Messi began his journey in football with local club Grandoli at the age of four, in 1992, before joining the team he loved the most, Newell's Old Boys, at the age of six. He stayed with the Argentine club until 2000, when he made the switch to Barcelona.

Lionel Messi and his wife Antonella Roccuzzo have three sons: Mateo, Thiago, and Ciro.

Lionel Messi is married to Argentine model and media personality Antonella Roccuzzo. The couple exchanged vows back in 2017.