Orlando Pirates news

All of the Premier Soccer League's Big Three won in Round 12 of the season, with the two Soweto clubs putting in statement wins that will have the Chloorkop faithful starting to worry about their ninth league title in a row. There were standout performers in those matches and across the other mid-week fixtures in the final domestic league games before the international break.

The Soweto giants proved on Wednesday that they mean business with another impressive display at the King Zwelithini Stadium against Abafana Bes'thende. It was a massive result that ensured they stay just three points behind the defending Premier Soccer League champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two more games.

Masandawana were forced to sweat for three points by determined TS Galaxy, who were led by a Kaizer Chiefs academy product. Although it is another win for Downs, Miguel Cardoso's tactics have yet again come under scrutiny, given the display his players showed against the visitors. Struggling against PSL rivals now raises questions on whether the Tshwane giants are indeed ready for the CAF Champions League's gruelling campaign ahead.

The Sea Robbers made the journey down to KwaZulu-Natal for a midweek league clash against Abafana Bes’thende, with King Zwelithini Stadium serving as the battleground under the floodlit skies. In a contest that carried weight and expectation, it was the Soweto giants who rose to the occasion, delivering a composed and clinical performance.

A former Kaizer Chiefs head coach masterminded a slim win for his side courtesy of a goal struck by an ex-Mamelodi Sundowns star. It was also good news for the Bucs' legend, whose side registered a win and a clean sheet against their rivals. For Barker, the loss will leave him in a more precarious situation, even though he has guided the Maroons to the CAF Confederation Cup group stage.

A Kaizer Chiefs product was again brilliant against Masandawana, only for Ronwen Williams to be alert and keep him at bay with brilliant saves. Although they were defeated, Galaxy challenged Bafana Ba Style but were guilty of failing to convert their chances into goals. The Tshwane giants now lead with a two-point gap ahead of Orlando Pirates, while Kaizer Chiefs are third.

A sold-out crowd packed into King Zwelithini Stadium on a buzzing Wednesday night, with anticipation crackling in the air as Abafana Bes’thende welcomed the Buccaneers for a much-anticipated midweek league showdown. The stands were a sea of colour and noise, with fans from both camps in full voice, creating a charged atmosphere under the floodlights.

The 22-year-old winger is fast emerging as one of the brightest young talents in South African football, the way the likes of Mohau Nkota, Mbelezeli Mbokazi and Relebohile Mofokeng rose. His Abafana Bes'thende coach believes it’s only a matter of time before he earns a Bafana Bafana call-up and sees him as a player who can go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The player has just won two PSL awards as he currently enjoys some terrific form.

After playing for the Bafana Bafana B team at the 2024 African Nations Championship, the former Bloemfontein Celtic star was expected to remain in the Premier Soccer League. But he surprisingly opted for a challenge in East Africa, joining one of the continent’s most ambitious clubs. His arrival is expected to bolster Simba’s creative options as they chase domestic and continental success.

The Premier Soccer League usually reward coaches and players who performed well in a respective month in their bid to motivate them and push them to give the best. The best performers for the month of October were feted on Wednesday, where a top attacker tipped to make the national team was recognised for his displays in the league.

The Buccaneers have been tipped to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for this season's Premier Soccer League title. On Wednesday, the Soweto giants will be up against Abafana Bes'thende at the King Zwelithini Stadium, knowing that maximum points will send them second in the log and give players much-needed confidence.

Fresh off weekend wins, both teams arrived at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night brimming with confidence. Amakhosi edged Durban City 1-0 away last Friday, while the Umswenko Boys beat Magesi 3-1 on Saturday. With momentum building, both sides were locked in on one goal: bagging maximum points under the midweek lights.

The Buccaneers resume their PSL chase with a tricky trip to Afabana Bes'thende as they push to topple Mamelodi Sundowns from the summit of the Premier Soccer League table. They will be at King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium to face Manqoba Mngqithi and his men on Wednesday. After their CAF Champions League exit, the Soweto giants are now fully focused on domestic affairs and trying to win the title for the first time since 2012.