
Orlando Pirates news: Record chase and Bafana midfielder
The 28-year-old from Botshabelo, Free State, is just six goals shy of matching Benedict Vilakazi's record as Pirates' all-time top scorer.
Ahead of the season opener against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium, Vilakazi has shared a message of support for Mabasa.
'For me it shows character. You can't keep a good man down. Boy they can bring 20 other strikers, I'm telling you from my heart, but I don't think they will close you down and make you not to be seen…Full story here. Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa celebrates scoring against Cape Town City FC in the Betway Premiership. Image: Kick Off
Orlando Pirates midfielder Thalente Mbatha has opened up about how his move to the Soweto giants completely transformed his life — not only professionally, but personally as well.
While the former Highlands Park and SuperSport United star is grateful for the opportunities and exposure that have come with Orlando Pirates, he admits that stardom also comes with its own set of challenges.
Mbatha, who joined Pirates on loan from SuperSport United before making the move permanent, has enjoyed a rapid rise over the past season.
. 'It's hard to do things in private now, where I can just laugh out loud in a mall or be myself,' he said. 'Now there are opinions about you. People watch you, judge you — and sometimes even misunderstand you…Full story here.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The South African
32 minutes ago
- The South African
Betway Premiership: List of ALL the 16 coaches from 16 teams
The 2025-26 Betway Premiership season is upon us, and all eyes will be on ALL the 16 teams to see how they are this time. As expected, the majority of teams have made coaching changes that they feel would make them better. To ensure that you, as a fan, knows who will coach your favourite team this season, The South African compiled the list below. Only four Betway Premiership teams from last season made coaching changes – Orlando Pirates, Magesi FC, Chippa United and Marumo Gallants. Perhaps, it is worth mentioning that 10 of the 16 coaches are South African-born while the other six are from other countries. The 2025-26 Betway Premiership season gets underway this weekend. Image: Archived Arthur Zwane – AmaZulu Gavin Hunt – Durban City Pogiso Makhoye – Orbit College Lehlohonolo Seema – Siwelele FC Phuthi Mohafe – Polokwane City Steve Barker – Stellenbosch FC Manqoba Mngqithi – Golden Arrows Papi Zothwane/Ronnie Gabriel – Richards Bay FC Eric Tinkler – Sekhukhune United Sinethemba Badela – Chippa United Abdeslam Ouaddou – Orlando Pirates Nasreddine Nabi – Kaizer Chiefs Miguel Cardoso – Mamelodi Sundowns Adnan Beganovic – TS Galaxy John Maduka – Magesi FC Alexandre Lafitte – Marumo Gallants Let us know your thoughts by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

IOL News
2 hours ago
- IOL News
PSL Update: Confirmed transfers at Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns
Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns have made significant player transfers ahead of the Betway Premiership, with Chiefs signing six players, Pirates adding 14 including new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as the season kicks off. Seen here: New Kaizer Chiefs player Thabiso Monyane (centre) in action. Picture: Gerhard Duraan/BackpagePix Unlike Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs have not yet begun their new season but have been hard at work beefing up their player stocks. Pirates and Sundowns both successfully progressed through the quarter-finals of the MTN8 over the weekend, while Chiefs fans watched on with envy as their side did not qualify after finishing outside the top eight for a second season in a row. Now, the Betway Premiership kicks off this weekend in earnest with Sundowns in action first at 3pm on Saturday away to Chippa United. Pirates begin their campaign at 5.30pm at home as they welcome Sekhukhune United. Chiefs have to wait until Sunday to travel to Stellenbosch FC in a 5.30pm kick-off.


The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates v Sekhukhune: Date, kickoff time in season opener
Orlando Pirates hope to get a glorious title charge underway against Sekhukhune in what should be a high-quality season-opener. Pirates are hoping to dethrone perennial champions Sundowns, whom they meet in the MTN8 final four. The Sea Robbers kick things off against another MTN8 semi-finalist, Sekhukhune. 'Nkota is already a better player after leaving Pirates' TWO more players leave the club Orlando Stadium is the venue as Pirates and Sekhukhune do battle on Saturday, 9 August at 17:30. The Sea Robbers have a new skipper too. 29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain's armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That's a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. Saleng paints a grim picture of his Orlando Pirates future Sibisi, Sesane and Maswanganyi ponder things at a set piece. Image: FarPost Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.