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…

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is on the mend after being discharged from the hospital, African Times has learnt. Ouaddou, alongside five Pirates staff members, was hospitalized on Sunday, but the Pirates mentor is expected back at work soon after leaving the hospital. The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their 3–0 victory against Chippa United. “Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team…

Premier Soccer League (PSL) club Orlando Pirates have confirmed that Head Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and five members of the club’s staff were involved in a road traffic incident on Sunday night. The incident occurred on the R21 highway as the team returned from Gqeberha, following their 3–0 victory against Chippa United. “Upon encountering a collision between two vehicles, Coach Ouaddou and several staff members disembarked from the team bus to assist those involved. Tragically, while attending to the scene, a…

Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa recently rejected a move to North Africa, but that has not stopped clubs from the region from pursuing him. African Times can confirm Moroccan club MAS Fez were willing to buy Mabasa from the Buccaneers for a reported fee of R17 million, and with a club-to-club agreement seemingly in place, the decision was left to Mabasa, and he turned it down in favour of staying at Pirates. However, this publication has been informed that Algerian…

Should the United States of America club Minnesota United have their way, Relebohile Mofokeng would join them from Orlando Pirates. Minnesota United, who are home to South Africa’s Bongokuhle Hlongwane, have put in an offer for Mofokeng, who is arguably South Africa’s hottest young talent in the domestic league. The 20-year-old continues to attract interest from overseas, and Minnesota United has emerged as the latest club to express interest in the Betway Premiership 2024/25 Young Player of the Season. According…

Former Zimbabwean international and Orlando Pirates striker Tendai Ndoro has passed away. The 40-year-old had battled diabetes for a while, and on Monday, African Times was informed Ndoro was found dead in his apartment in Sandton, Johannesburg. In recent times, he was hospitalized in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, but had made a recovery and was reportedly on the verge of joining Eswatini First Division side Stumbo XI. Ndoro started out at Chicken Inn in his homeland, Zimbabwe, before transferring to South Africa,…

Last season, Orlando Pirates won their first seven league games, and this season, they have lost their first two. And the Buccaneers’ next league fixture suggests they may encounter more battles for points, facing Stellenbosch at home on 20 August. All eyes are on new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who dropped star player Relebohile Mofokeng to the bench in the 2-1 defeat to Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein on Tuesday. As if that was not enough, midfielder Sipho Mbule was also benched,…

The highly anticipated MTN8 semifinals first-leg clash between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns will be played in Soweto. The Premier Soccer League (PSL) has announced the dates, venues, and kick-off times. The semifinals are played over two legs, and in the first fixture, the Buccaneers will host the Brazilians at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 16 August, at 15H00. For the second fixture, Stellenbosch FC will take on Sekhukhune United in the first leg to be played at the Danie Craven…