Orlando Pirates news

GOAL gives you the details to follow the Soweto giants' trip to Polokwane for a Premier Soccer League date with Babina Noko at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. It is the Buccaneers' first match of 2026, and they would want to build on the momentum they left off last year, as they showed seriousness in their fight for the league title. They come up against a team that beat them in their first PSL match of the season in October 2025.

The South African winger is enjoying his football again after struggles with Orlando Pirates and the defending Premier Soccer League champions. The 32-year-old delivered in the Botola Pro League before inviting suitors from other countries. Nyoso is now set for a new challenge, hoping to sustain his form.

The Buccaneers return to action after the 2025 AFCON break with a tricky Premier Soccer League trip to Polokwane, where they face Babina Noko at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday. The Buccaneers are out to reclaim the two-point cushion they held before the break, having been knocked off the summit after Mamelodi Sundowns shot to the top on Monday. Adding spice to the encounter, they come up against one of only two sides to have beaten them in the league this season.

The 32-year-old midfielder is again on the move but remains in North Africa. The latest developments come after reports emerged that a deal is in the pipeline for the former Orlando Pirates man to go to Libya. This comes after he started the season on a high note for the Moroccan giants, as he justified their decision to sign him permanently when Rhulani Mokwena wanted him at MC Alger.

The two-year tradition is set to end after the 2028 edition, and the decision to shift the continental tournament continues to attract criticism and applause almost in equal measure. For long, African football fans knew that the competition would be held biennially, and this wait will be prolonged given the recent decision made and announced by CAF's president, Patrice Motsepe. Now, one of Africa's most experienced and most respected coaches has shared his concerns, blasting the people in charge at CAF.

Although they are widely considered to be among the top three football giants in the country, Amakhosi have lagged behind in terms of success as compared to Bucs and Downs. Masandawana have dominated the Premier Soccer League in the last eight straight seasons, and the Buccaneers have stamped their authority in the domestic competitions. The Glamour Boys, on the other hand, boast last season's Nedbank Cup success, a trophy that ended their decade-long wait for a major gong.

The Buccaneers began the year at the summit of the Premier Soccer League standings but have since been dislodged by Mamelodi Sundowns, who now hold a slender lead. Despite losing top spot, the Soweto giants remain firmly in the title race and are gearing up to resume their challenge. Attention now shifts to this weekend as the Soweto giants return to league action and their Moroccan coach could hand competitive debuts to some of the club’s new signings when they face Sekhukhune United on Saturday.

Amakhosi have released two players in the ongoing short January transfer window, hoping they get regular play-time to stand a chance of featuring for the senior team in the future. The Glamour Boys have not added any big names to their playing unit despite chasing major titles. Interestingly, both Masandawana and Bucs have brought in new faces.

In a bid to allow some of their players to leave and get playtime, Bucs have released the two to their stars' league rivals. In the off-season transfer window, the Sea Robbers signed more than 10 players, and their strengthening mission has also continued in the mid-season window. With a huge playing squad, it is natural that some players will play more than others, and the fringe ones have been sent out on short-term deals.

In a bid to boost their prospect of finishing in the top eight bracket, the club is hoping to strengthen their squad in order to achieve their ambition. Among the players they want to bring on board is an attacker who was sharpened at the Bucs' academy. The need for a lethal attacking department has been made even more urgent after Puso Dithejane left.

The Western Cape team picked up crucial points on Tuesday evening with a victory over Sekhukhune United on their home turf, slowly moving themselves out of the relegation danger zone. The result marked former Kaizer Chiefs coach's first win in charge and a positive start to his tenure, although he was quick to raise fitness concerns regarding the players from Tshwane.

Following the strong statement by Amakhosi football manager Bobby Motaung in recent weeks that the Soweto side had no intentions of signing new players, the surprising announcement of Cape Town City player Xhosa Manyana joining the Naturena-based team raised eyebrows. However, the club has since come forward to explain the reason behind the new acquisition.

The Citizens have introduced new additions to the KwaZulu-Natal team on a loan from Babina Noko, aiming to inject new energy into their attack. With the team hoping to make an impression of finishing inside the top eight, all eyes will be on the duo to see if they can hit the ground running and help Sinethemba Badela' side to make a statement in Mzansi’s top flight.