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Patrick Maswanganyi, Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates

Pirates suffer blow as star is ruled out for the season

The midfield star played crucial roles as Bucs went on to defend the MTN8 and later win the Carling Knockout. Before the injury, he was a trusted starter, and his game improved incredibly under the current coach. But he is now set to sit out the remaining part of the season as the Sea Robbers chase the PSL title.

Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng & Patrick Maswanganyi, Orlando Pirates, August 2025

Predicted XI Pirates vs Arrows: Rele or Andre De Jong for No. 10 role?

After a huge win over TS Galaxy, Orlando Pirates return to Premier Soccer League action. A win over Abafana Bes'thende will help the Sea Robbers go back to the top of the table. This is a game that the Soweto giants will not afford to lose, as they need points that will firmly keep them in the title race.

Adams or Mbatha? Broos given ideal midfield choice for Bafana - 'He reminds me of Fabregas'

After initial struggles, the Mamelodi Sundowns star has rediscovered his form and become an important figure for his club. His rejuvenation saw him get called up to the Bafana Bafana team, and should he keep his form, his chances of going to the global showpiece are almost assured. Although Hugo Broos has numerous options for the midfield department, he has been asked to deploy the two Downs stars together.

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Bafana Bafana, November 2025

Predicted XI Bafana vs Panama - Who will Broos choose between Sibisi, Ndamane & Okon with Mbokazi out?

Following an unconvincing outing at the 2025 AFCON finals, South Africa is back in action. They host Panama in an international friendly match at Moses Mbahida Stadium on Friday as both teams prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Predicted XI Pirates vs Galaxy: Rele wide, Mbule No.10 & Makgopa back?

The Sea Robbers desperately need to bounce back from the 1-1 draw against Siwelele when they face the Rockets on Sunday at the Mbombela Stadium. With Mamelodi Sundowns on CAF Champions League duties, victory for the Soweto giants will send them to the top of the Premier League table with 51 points, one more than the defending champions.

Pirates legend blames 'disaster' Mbuthuma for Siwelele draw

Former Bucs striker Andries Sebola did not hold back in his assessment of the current forward line following the stalemate at Orlando Amstel Arena and believes the lack of clinical finishing is threatening their title aspirations, specifically singling out their 24-year-old striker for criticism and questioning Abdeslam Ouaddou's tactics and substitutions.

Orlando Pirates, Siwelele FC, March 2026

Pirates 1-1 Siwelele: 'Chiefs will hold Sundowns for us! Makgopa is better than Rayners'

After winning two domestic trophies, Bucs' focus is now firmly on the Premier Soccer League title. However, they face a real challenge from defending champions Masandawana, who have put themselves in a strong position to extend their dominance in the top flight. Just like the previous seasons, the race is turning out to be a two-horse race as Downs and the Soweto giants engage in a tight battle for the title.

Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, February 2026

Predicted XI Orlando Pirates vs Siwelele - Ouaddou in a dilemma: Makgopa or Mbuthuma?

The Sea Robbers return to action after a midweek victory that propelled them to the top of the Premier Soccer League table. The hard-fought win over Richards Bay ensured that the Buccaneers maintained a close gap with Mamelodi Sundowns, although an insignificant goal difference separates the two rivals. As Masandawana focus on the CAF Champions League, the Soweto giants are hunting for league points over the weekend.

Evidence Makgopa, Orlando Pirates, March 2026

Predicting Pirates starting XI vs Polokwane City: headache for Ouaddou - Mbuthuma or Makgopa?

The Sea Robbers will be back in action on Wednesday after a morale-boosting win over the Glamour Boys in the Soweto derby. Against Rise and Shine, Bucs will need more points in order to keep pace with Mamelodi Sundowns in the tight Premier Soccer League title race.

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.

Relebohile Mofokeng and Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates

Pirates' predicted XI vs Chiefs: De Jong ahead of Mbuthuma & Rele in No. 10 role?

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou will be making his debut in the country's biggest fixture of the season, hoping to bounce back from recent back-to-back losses. However, it will not be easy against the Glamour Boys, who will be avoiding a third straight loss across all competitions. The game will be staged at the iconic FNB Stadium on Saturday.

Zitha Kwinika, Sibongiseni Mthethwa and Keegan Allan, Kaizer Chiefs vs AmaZulu

Is Mthethwa ready for Soweto derby? Chiefs coach delivers injury updates

Just like the Buccaneers, the Glamour Boys hope to have their top stars available for the highly anticipated clash. Ahead of the showdown, Amakhosi coach has delivered an update on who could feature and who is ruled out entirely. The update includes a player who has not played for Amakhosi so far this year.

Kamogelo Sebelebele, Thalente Mbatha and Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates

Will Pirates' Makgopa and Mbatha feature in Soweto Derby vs Chiefs? Ouaddou explains

The Buccaneers have been grappling with a few fitness concerns in recent days, forcing the technical team to carefully manage player workloads. The coach has been trying to deal with the situation through a well-managed rotation policy, making full use of his huge squad. They now head into a clash against Amakhosi, a fixture that will provide another stern test of their depth.

Has Mbatha fallen out with Pirates a year after Saleng's saga with the Soweto giants?

The combative Bafana Bafana midfielder has been missing crucial games for the Sea Robbers. Despite the technical team stating that he was injured, a section of the club's supporters is not convinced of the reason. They feel Abdeslam Ouaddou has a few players he favours, while others have been pushed out into the cold.

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

Pirates' predicted XI vs Casric Stars: Rest Mofokeng, give Msendami first start ahead of Soweto derby?

The Sea Robbers are up against a lower division team again in South Africa's premier knockout competition. They are out to reclaim a trophy they last won in 2024 under Jose Riveiro. The Soweto giants would also want to atone for being this competition's losing finalists last season after rivals Kaizer Chiefs denied them a chance to shine on the podium.

Is Sibisi fit? And where is Makgopa? Ouaddou explains

In recent matches, the defender appeared to be struggling with knocks, raising fears of his fitness level. The 30-year-old has a troubling history with injuries, but the Bucs' tactician has allayed fears of a fresh injury. With the season heading towards a decisive homestretch, the Sea Robbers cannot afford to lose more players to injuries.

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.

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