Orlando Pirates news

Masandawana are playing catch-up, trying hard to close the gap between them and in-form Bucs. Meanwhile, inconsistent Amakhosi are staring at the prospect of losing the trophy, which was historically won last season.

After they started the group stage campaign with a loss, Amakhosi managed back-to-back victories, massively boosting their chances of reaching the knockout stage. The Glamour Boys completed a double over their continental rivals from Zambia after their last victory in Ndola. For Zega Mambo, the struggle continues as they remain winless, pointless and rooted at the bottom of the group.

The Buccaneers faithful have witnessed the value of having a game in hand. After the Mayfair-based side was ridiculed and tipped to drop points following their opening fixture, the Soweto outfit responded emphatically on Saturday evening, producing a commanding display to secure a convincing three points.

The Buccaneers coach is enjoying the luxury of leaving out certain players from his matchday squad, underlining the impressive depth within his first-team group. Winning convincingly without several key figures, who were deliberately omitted, highlighted just how strong his squad has become. It paints the picture of a coach spoilt for choice when it comes to team selection.

The Sea Robbers reasserted their dominance after beginning the year with a setback, as a ruthless display against Dikwena tša Meetse reignited their Premier Soccer League title ambitions. Despite unsettling Bucs supporters by releasing trusted defenders in a single transfer window, the backline has shown no signs of weakness under Ouaddou, who instead highlighted his side’s failure to fully capitalise on their chances in front of goal.

The Sea Robbers did everything within their power on Saturday evening at the Orlando Armstel Arena to silence Dikwena Tsa Meetse in the South African top-tier outing. It was a massive victory that saw the Buccaneers overtake traditional rivals the Glamour Boys on the table. Abdeslam Ouaddou's men are now on 32 points, the same as log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more.

Bucs' intention of clinching the title from their arch-rivals becomes clearer each matchday as they keep widening the gap from their closest challengers. As the Sea Robbers' winning run continues, the defending champions' campaign gets even more complicated after dropping more points in a second straight game.

The Nigeria international defender is now a free agent after officially leaving the Buccaneers on Thursday, meaning he can sign for any club outside the transfer window. His exit brings an end to a long and frustrating spell on the sidelines at the Soweto giants. He last played competitive football back in September 2024, with injuries also contributing to his time out.

After the Africa Cup of Nations finals, where, arguably, there was unanimous national support for Bafana Bafana, fans have now turned their focus on their individual clubs. With the Premier Soccer League gaining momentum after the AFCON break, the title chase is shaping up with the 'Big Three' tightly in the race. Mamelodi Sundowns are looking to defend the title; Pirates are hoping to end Masandawana's dominance after coming so close in the past few seasons, but can Amakhosi sustain the chase?

Before the Premier Soccer League went into the break to allow players to represent their countries in the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Bucs were at the top of the PSL standings. The Sea Robbers had also registered a five-match winning streak across all competitions before that break. However, they resumed the campaign with a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United, meaning they dropped points and saw their winning run halted.

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' hosting of Dikwena tsa Meetse in a Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. The Buccaneers are still pushing to reclaim top spot after Mamelodi Sundowns took the lead recently. Victory for Abdeslam Ouaddou's side will see them level on points with the Brazilians in this race that is already a tight contest.

The 2024/25 finalists and one-time champions were not convincing at the Amahoro Stadium in Kigali, Rwanda, on Friday night in the CAF inter-club competition. They struggled against the Sudanese outfit despite the massive quality that they had on the pitch. The result put Miguel Cardoso under pressure since he had the needed resources to succeed.

In the PSL mid-season transfer, clubs get another chance to strengthen their squads ahead of another gruelling remainder of the campaign. Although many clubs bought new players before the season began, the mid-season window gave them a chance to get the right players to strengthen further until Thursday, January 29, when it came to a close.