Orlando Pirates news

The South African legend is in the headlines for grim reasons after overseeing what is now the worst result of his coaching career. The humbling defeat to the Teranga Lions has intensified scrutiny on him and left the former FC Porto forward facing a massive task of managing and repairing a dented reputation. Also pressing is the need to regain the trust of the Kenyan football public.

The 36-year-old Buccaneers linkman showed his experience last season and was one of the league's best-performing, winning himself one of the respected awards. He got this recognition despite ending the term on the sidelines, nursing an injury. The veteran player is yet to play competitive football this season, although he has resumed full training with the rest of the team.

There have been many questions regarding a player who is suited to playing behind the strikers and being that creative link South Africa needs following the injury to Themba Zwane. It seems the Belgian tactician has settled for the Orlando Pirates midfielder who has been deployed in that role. The 27-year-old has been on the rise since joining the Soweto giants.

The duo has been working effectively at the Soweto giants, hoping to end the Premier Soccer League drought that has lasted more than a decade, as well as winning other domestic competitions in South Africa. The former Morocco international has settled well in the team after succeeding Spaniard Jose Riveiro, who had served Bucs for three years.

The 27-year-old has seemingly managed to focus solely on football after initial disciplinary breaches threatened to cut short his career. The versatile midfielder is currently one of the most important players on coach Abdeslam Ouaddou's squad, as well as the senior South African men's national team under Hugo Broos.

Mzansi football has been on the rise in the last couple of years, and last season was no different, as clubs reached the latter stages of CAF inter-club competitions. South Africa has also been doing well across all tournaments, which saw top players and teams get nominated for prestigious continental awards.

'Master Chef' has done his thing in several kitchens across the Premier Soccer League, but never really settled anywhere long enough to make a lasting impression. We all know the talent is there, but is the former South Africa youth international able to put in the hard yards to produce the consistent performances needed for club and country in a critical year for South African football?

To boost the level of refereeing in the league, calls for the urgent implementation of VAR have intensified. The government's stance comes a day after the South African Football Association's new project leader for the VAR management team, Daniel Bennett, cautioned against VAR lite. SA lags behind in the implementation of this project, as countries like Algeria, Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia have adopted the full VAR systems for their competitions.

Lorch has been an outstanding player for Wydad Casablanca, and in the last five games across all competitions alone, he has scored four goals. However, Broos insists he does not see any reason to have Nyoso, as the forward is known, in his squad. Lorch's omission has put Broos under criticism, although some have sided with him.

The Soweto giants played a role in raising awareness on a critical medical issue that reportedly affects around 4.2 million South Africans. The Buccaneers participated in World Diabetes Day, during which assistant coach Mandla Ncikazi also took a moment to brief the media on the upcoming Carling Knockout Cup, set to take place on December 6 against Marumo Gallants.

The South African players are giving their best to stand a chance of competing in Morocco as the senior men's national team features against some top sides in Africa. The Belgian has an idea on who he will consider in his squad but some can still force their way in before the final squad is named in the next couple of weeks.

The South African men’s senior national team took things to the next level over the past weekend, defeating Zambia 3–1 at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in a friendly encounter. Courtesy of goals from Oswin Appolis, Mohau Nkota, and Sphephelo Sithole sealed an impressive outing — a performance that left most of the home crowd happy and eager for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations. However, for the man at the helm, there remains room for improvement within the squad he will take to the prestigious competition. This leaves him with a selection dilemma: having to drop some players while entrusting others to rise to the challenge.

The 73-year-old has been vocal about the importance of Mshishi, who, despite his advancing age, has been a key player for the national team. The Belgian is working on his squad for continental and global assignments scheduled for later this year, and the new one before officially retiring and focusing on other things.