Orlando Pirates news

The Soweto giants are steadily taking over the South African national team by sheer demand, and it comes as no surprise — their form and squad depth speak for themselves. They became the first side in the 2025/26 Premier Soccer League season to lift a trophy. Despite the CAF Champions League setback, they are already chasing more success as they prepare to feature in the Carling Knockout Cup final next month. They also sit level on 25 points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns on the league table, separated only by goal difference.

The former Mamelodi Sundowns coach was full of praise for the current state of South Africa’s displays on the bigger stages. Bafana Bafana recently reaped the rewards of their hard work by qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will next month take the stage at the Africa Cup of Nations. Meanwhile, Amajimbos bowed out of the FIFA U-17 World Cup earlier this month, and the senior women’s national team is busy preparing for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations [WAFCON].

The Tshwane giants travel to Algeria, where they will battle it out at the Ali La Pointe Stadium on Friday evening against their former coach Rhulani Mokwena, whose side is wounded after a disappointing start to the CAF Champions League group stage. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns supporters remain divided — some still yearning for Mokwena’s return due to dissatisfaction with current coach Miguel Cardoso, while others hope this clash will prove that the former Orlando Pirates mentor was not necessarily the ideal candidate either. However, once the whistle blows, all off-field debates fall aside, as both teams will be equally tested in their pursuit of crucial group-stage points.

The Premier Soccer League table is taking shape with a third of the matches already played, as players continue to give their best, hoping to help their respective teams realise their objectives in the South African top tier. A few individuals have made their cases after switching clubs and are already being named for possible rewards at the end of the ongoing campaign.

In a high-octane Premier Soccer League at Olympia Park Stadium, fans were not only treated to drama but also to a classic football match as Stellenbosch grabbed a 2-1 win over Orbit College. Monnapule Saleng registered his third assist of the season, although his side was stunned by the opponent's late comeback.

The Belgian has opened a wide, ambitious window with his preliminary AFCON squad - an orchestra of veterans, disruptors and bold prospects that must be cut to 27. The selections signal a team designed for multiple tempos: patience when games tighten, speed when they fracture and enough nerve to suffer. This is not a list; it’s the architecture of how Bafana want to win.

This was the remaining crucial piece of information regarding the domestic competition whose ultimate duel will go down on December 6 in Polokwane. The organisers of the tournament had already announced that Peter Mokaba Stadium would host the final game involving the PSL clubs. Now, it is all systems go as football fanatics await to see who will be crowned the winner as Bucs eye their second domestic trophy.

There was an element of surprise again when the Moroccan tactician opted to bench the Bafana forward who has been a key player for his team. The 24-year-old came on in the second half and played a crucial role in Bucs' 2-0 victory against struggling Chippa United. Ouaddou was put to task to explain why the new signing did not start, and he defended his selection, saying every player on his team needs to be given playing and rest time.

The 20-year-old youngster had been tipped to leave the Buccaneers for an overseas club after his showings in the Premier Soccer League and international outings with Bafana. However, when news broke this week of a potential move being lined up with a North American club, the centre-back found himself at the centre of feverish speculation over whether the move was suitable for his career aspirations.

The Mswenko Boys are set for a stern Stellies test in their midweek Premier Soccer League assignment, hoping to capitalise on Steve Barker’s men’s poor form as they push to climb the table. The Western Cape outfit has struggled this season, which explains why they are far from guaranteed a positive result.

The versatile South Africa international has been a key player for the Sea Robbers, who are seemingly ready to dominate the local footballing scene, thanks to the inconsistencies by Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won the last eight Premier Soccer League titles. The Buccaneers are currently joint top in the logdespite playing a game less.

The Buccaneers have been navigating the season trying to have balance in their matchday squads, especially due to injuries to key players. This has become a real test of their squad depth in a campaign where they still have the chance to finish with a treble or even four trophies. Being knocked out of the CAF Champions League has eased their schedule and reduced the strain on their players. With fewer responsibilities, they can now channel their full energy into achieving success on the domestic front.

South Africa are among the nine teams from the African continent that secured an automatic ticket for the prestigious global competition that will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Hugo Broos' men topped Group C of the qualifiers ahead of Nigeria and Benin to qualify for the tournament that they last participated in way back in 2010 as hosts.