Soweto giants Orlando Pirates have won South Africa’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) title for the first time in 14 years. The Buccaneers were crowned champions on Saturday following a 2-0 win over Orbit College at the Mbombela Stadium in Mpumalanga. Pirates ended the season with 69 points, just one ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who had dominated the league for eight straight seasons. Bucs coach Abdelsam Ouaddou reflected on their success, but hinted he may not be there next season. “I…

Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine now holds the record for the most clean sheets in the Premier Soccer League (PSL), with 19 to his name this season. He bettered Ronwen Williams’ record, which was standing at 18 clean sheets in a season, achieved by the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper a few seasons ago. Chaine has played a pivotal role in defence to help Pirates challenge Sundowns for the league crown. The Buccaneers have only conceded 12 goals in 28 outings, and…

Despite their latest setback, Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is still hopeful of winning the PSL title with the Buccaneers. Pirates could only manage a draw against Richards Bay on Friday, denting their hopes of a league crown. Ouaddou’s men are now one point behind the leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand, as the season draws to a close. “I’m telling you that it will be difficult,” said Ouaddou. “But we still have a small chance to…

The organisers have rescheduled the big clash between Orlando Pirates and nemesis Kaizer Chiefs next month to avoid a clash with a music festival. Pirates, who will be the home team, have announced that the Soweto Derby will now take place at FNB Stadium on Sunday, 26 April. Originally, the match had been scheduled for Saturday, 25 April. The Buccaneers confirmed the new date on their official social media platforms on Thursday afternoon. The decision to move the Derby came…

Orlando Pirates have announced they will participate in the upcoming The Soccer Tournament (TST) later this year in the United States of America (USA). In doing so, the Buccaneers will make history as the first club from the African continent to compete in the global 7-a-side spectacle, a competition that has rapidly grown into one of the most exciting new events on the international football calendar. The annual tournament features a unique winner-takes-all prize of $1 million (R16. 5 million),…

One of South Africa’s oldest and most popular football venues Orlando Stadium has adopted a new name. Orlando Pirates, in partnership with Amstel, have officially announced the renaming of the historic Orlando Stadium to the Orlando Amstel Arena, on a five-year deal. “The renaming symbolizes the strength of the partnership between the Buccaneers and Amstel, who joined forces late last year in a multi-year agreement,” stated the two parties, in a joint statement, released on Tuesday after the announcement at…

After just 37 games for Orlando Pirates, centre-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi is on the brink of leaving the club. The 20-year-old has travelled to the United States of America (USA) to conclude a move to Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire. According to supersport.com, the Bafana Bafana player is in the USA to discuss personal terms, after a club-to-club agreement was reached between the two clubs. Mbokazi is only in his second season with the Buccaneers’ first team. However, Chicago…

South African side Orlando Pirates have copped a R430 000 fine following their dramatic Champions League clash against DR Congo’s St Eloi Lupopo in Orlando, Soweto, last month. Lupopo needed penalties to beat Pirates 5-4, following a 3-3 aggregate score, for their place in the group stage of Africa’s premium club competition. The talking point, however, was the on- and off-the-field clashes between the two sides, resulting in both reaching out to the controlling body CAF, to file their respective…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he is grateful to have been on the bench to guide the team to their MTN8 triumph against Stellenbosch on Saturday. The Buccaneers are in seventh heaven after beating Stellenbosch 3-0 at Mbombela Stadium for their fourth consecutive MTN8 title. Ouaddou, 46, reflected after a brush with death recently. “What I can tell you is that it was very dangerous, and I’m happy to speak to you, to be in front of you, and…

Orlando Pirates have rewritten the history books of South African football following their 3-0 triumph over Stellenbosch in the MTN8 Final played in Mbombela, Mpumalanga, on Saturday evening. The Buccaneers have become the first team to win four consecutive top eight titles since the tournament’s inception in 1972. Pirates’ supporters would also be pleased to know they are now only one top eight title behind rivals, Kaizer Chiefs. Chiefs have won 15 titles, but Pirates are now on 14, with…