Orlando Pirates have their sights set on a first Betway Premiership crown since the heady days of 2012 when Benni McCarthy was a Buccaneer.
That vintage won back-to-back trebles.
The class of 2025-2026 seems to have the minerals to go all the way.
Orlando Pirates keep on rolling
A workmanlike 2-0 win over Chippa means that the Buccaneers move joint-top of the Betway Premiership. The goals came from substitutes Evidence Makgopa and Oswin Appollis, while another substitute, Kabelo Dlamini, claimed an assist. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side can go top by themselves if they avoid defeat away to Durban City on Saturday, 29 November. Makgopa and Appollis are regular starters, so they should be restored to the side against City, while the ever-versatile Dlamini has again put his hand up for selection. Deon Hotto, now 35, also claimed an assist from left-back. Not many clubs in South Africa can point to such depth in their squads.
Pirates have strong Bafana representation
Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad of 23, which faced Zambia in a recent friendly, contained eight Pirates players. No other PSL club had more representatives in the group. Oswin Appollis has quickly found his feet as a Sea Robber, scoring four times in all competitions and laying on five goals for teammates. Appollis is also a regular for South Africa, as is Evidence Makgopa. The pair were super-subs against Chippa, but both should start against Durban City. If Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side avoid defeat against Gavin Hunt’s newcomers, they’ll claim top spot in the Betway Premiership. They play twice before Sundowns feature again in the league, at Durban City on 29 November and then at home to Richards Bay on 2 December. There’s a real opportunity for the Buccaneers to apply some scoreboard pressure before Sundowns’ trip to Siwelele on 3 December.
What does the future hold for Orlando Pirates gem Mbekezeli Mbokazi?
Supremely gifted defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi’s future at the club remains a hot topic; the 20-year-old is reportedly negotiating a move to United States MLS side, Chicago Fire. The Fire have a strong American presence in their squad, but it’s also littered with several overseas talents, giving it a cosmopolitan feel. If they shell out €3 million (R60 million) for Mbokazi, there’s a feeling they’ll be getting a massive bargain.