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Jaisen Clifford and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates

Pirates vs Gallants Preview: Kick-off time, TV channel & squad news

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' clash with Bahlabane ba Ntwa in the Carling Knockout final at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. It is both teams' final game of 2025 and they would be keen on signing off the year on a high. For the Buccaneers, they will be on the hunt for a second trophy of the season after lifting the MTN8 earlier on. Their opponents are bidding for their first-ever piece of major silverware in the top-flight league.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Ideal Pirates' replacement for Mbokazi identified

The Bafana defender is reportedly on his way to Major League Soccer, with Chicago Fire rumoured to be his next home. With the debate over the defender's imminent speculated move dominating headlines, the question on many lips is who is going to replace him. Mbokazi, within a short period of time, managed to become Bucs' top star, and his exit, when it is finally confirmed, will leave a huge gap in the team.

Nkosikhona Ndaba, Orlando Pirates

Pirates vs Polokwane City Preview: Kick-off time, TV channel & squad news

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' Carling Knockout semi-final clash with the Natal Rich Boyz at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. The Buccaneers seem to have buried the disappointment of being knocked out of the CAF Champions League by posting positive results on the domestic scene. They come up against opponents from KwaZulu-Natal who are bidding to win their first-ever major trophy.

Tshegofatso Mabasa of Orlando Pirates and Craig Martin of Chippa United

Pirates vs Chippa United Preview: Kick-off time, TV channel & squad news

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants hosting the Chilli Boys in a Premier Soccer League match at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday. It will be the Buccaneers' first match after the recent FIFA break and they have an opportunity to go on top of the table should they win by at least five goals. They are currently second on the log with three points fewer than leaders Mamelodi Sundowns who have played two games more than them.

Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates, September 2025

Siwelele vs Pirates Preview: Kick-off time, TV channel & squad news

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' Premier Soccer League clash with Siwelele on Tuesday. Bucs are back at Free State Stadium where they beat Lioli FC 3-0 in a CAF Champions League tie last Saturday. Smart from that victory, they are highly motivated going into this tie and have an opportunity to jump up the table from position eight to four. Their struggling opponents are third from the bottom.

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.