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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.

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.

Yanela Mbuthuma and Ronwen Williams, Orlando Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns

Mbuthuma & Makgopa should be worried! Ouaddou ready to bring in an eight-goal striker

The Sea Robbers have been creating chances in matches but struggled to take them despite having experienced players at their disposal. Questions have been asked about the ability of the club realising their ambition of winning all the available domestic trophies. So far, they have secured the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout.

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.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Sipho Mbule, Orlando Pirates, October 2025

Predicting Pirates XI vs Sundowns: Is it Mbule, De Jong or Mofokeng at No.10?

South African football fans will be focusing on an exciting Premier Soccer League outing between log leaders Buccaneers who will be hosting the defending champions at FNB Stadium. A win for Abdeslam Ouaddou's side will extend the gap between the two teams to nine points. Currently, the Soweto giants have a six-point advantage over second-placed Masandawana.

Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates vs Marumo Gallants, February 2026

Pirates 3-0 Gallants: ‘Give Mofokeng POTY Award but what Chiefs will lift is Dr Khumalo's Chiskop’

The Buccaneers opened a six-point gap at the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings after a 3-0 victory over Marumo Gallants at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. It was another productive outing for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side, who continue to build momentum in the title race. The Soweto giants are now 14 matches unbeaten across all competitions, with their last defeat dating back to October 2025.

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Abdeslam Ouaddou, Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, Orlando Pirates

Predicting Pirates XI vs Gallants: Ouaddou to drop Mofokeng again?

The Premier Soccer League momentum is in full swing, and the Sea Robbers lead the standings after 15 games. With Mamelodi Sundowns not far behind – only three points separate them - the Soweto giants would not want to drop points at this juncture of the season. After coming so close over the last seasons, the Buccaneers believe this is the time for them to end Masandawana's dominance in the top flight.

Mpho Chabatsane, Orlando Pirates, January 2026

Pirates' poredicted XI to face TTM: Ouaddou to hand versatile Chabatsane debut with Seema suspended?

After the disappointment of being runners-up last season and having their arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs end their run of two successive triumphs in this competition, the Buccaneers are keen on reclaiming this trophy this season. They come up against their Limpopo opponents, who were the champions of this tournament in 2021.

'Mentality' - Ex-Swedish top-flight star slams South African fans as they would attack Haaland amid Makgopa criticism

Few players have faced as much scrutiny as the 25‑year‑old lanky forward. Critics highlight flaws, but his six goals and two assists for Bafana Bafana show undeniable value. His performances at club and national level reveal a striker who thrives under pressure, turning doubt into fuel for his rise.

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Former Sundowns coach reveals Buccaneers’ winning ingredient

After a few seasons of the Soweto giants showing flashes of being a dangerous outfit only to fall short at crucial moments, the Sea Robbers have produced a commendable run of form, signaling their intent to go for everything in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season. The Bucs have already lifted three trophies before the halfway mark of the campaign — the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Carling Black Label Cup — while also sitting top of the league table, underlining their growing authority and consistency.

Chiefs legend Khune throws weight behind Makgopa, unpacking the Pirates star’s true value for Bafana at AFCON

The 25-year-old has continued to face questions over whether he can truly lead South Africa’s attack at the continental competition out in Morocco. Makgopa remains among the top scorers for Pirates this season, yet his inconsistent form at international level has left sections of supporters uncertain about his impact.

Evidence Makgopa, Relebohile Mofokeng, Orlando Pirates, November 2025

Agent pushing for Makgopa to leave Pirates as he believes Bafana star would 'thrive in English Championship'

The in‑form forward has linked up with Bafana Bafana as the squad sharpens its plans for the Nations Cup in Morocco, scheduled for the December to January window. His inclusion comes after a strong opening to the 2025/26 season, where his early impact earned him a deserved call into the national setup once again.

Ouaddou expresses confidence in current Pirates strikers ahead of January transfer window

The Buccaneers sit at the pinnacle of South African football, having already lifted the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Carling Cup at the halfway mark of the 2025/26 season. Pirates also lead the Premier Soccer League standings, placing them firmly in the race for a historic league title when domestic action resumes in January, with momentum clearly on their side.

Tshegofatso Mabasa, Abdeslam Ouaddou, December 2025

50 Goals For Pirates Not Enough! Ouaddou insists 'it's just rules' as Mabasa can't make the bench

The 29-year-old has been conspicuously missing from the Sea Robbers during matchdays, and his absence has only generated speculation around his future. Given that he is Bucs' prolific striker, many expected that he would remain a primary figure for the club, but that has not been the case. His coach has now addressed the issue and, in the process, explained why the attacker has not been used on a more regular basis.

Struggling Bafana star warned 'you can’t afford to have bad days' after enduring difficult Pirates start

Expectations were high when the Sea Robbers unveiled the signing of the 25‑year‑old at the start of the 2025/26 season, with many believing he could add fresh energy to the Buccaneers’ attacking midfield. Yet only a few months into his tenure, sections of the Ghost faithful have voiced criticism, questioning his impact and consistency as he works to settle into life at Pirates.

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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