Orlando Pirates eye Gallants clash to bounce back from early League setback
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
Orlando Pirates' push for a strong start to the Betway Premiership hit an early stumbling block as they fell 1-0 at home to Sekhukhune United — a result that underlined the urgent need to settle their new arrivals into the squad.
With title ambitions high after last season's close finish, the Buccaneers must put the disappointment behind them quickly as they travel to the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium to face Marumo Gallants on Tuesday night (7.30pm kick-off) in what will be a must-win encounter to steady their early-season wobble.
This season has been earmarked for a strong title challenge, but coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and several new recruits got their first taste of league action on Saturday — the defeat a sharp reminder of the challenge of building cohesion.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Missing key players and still forging fresh combinations, the Sea Robbers found it far harder to break down a stubborn Sekhukhune side than they did Polokwane City in their 2-0 MTN8 triumph a week earlier.
'Unfortunately we didn't start like we would have wanted in terms of the intensity we wanted to put on that game,' Ouaddou admitted.
'We started slow and waited until we conceded. We then saw a different Orlando Pirates with a different rhythm — chasing the game, trying to equalise.
'We saw some interesting things even though we lost, but the bad thing is starting badly in the opening match of the league. It's not the way we wanted to start.'
Pirates now face a confident Gallants side who began their campaign with a 2-1 away win over Richards Bay, with Mamelodi Sundowns also looming in the MTN8 semi-finals this weekend. Ouaddou believes the busy fixture list could work in their favour, but they must be more clinical.
'There's a big difference between the intensity in the MTN8 game and the first half on Saturday,' he said.
'The contest was interesting in terms of chances, but you have to be efficient in the box. If you're not, the opponent can take one chance and finish — and that's what happened.
'There is disappointment, but in football you quickly get the chance to play again, and we definitely have to try to win the next game.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The South African
18 minutes ago
- The South African
Former Pirates coach signs Mamelodi Sundowns ace
Another highly talented Mamelodi Sundowns player looks set to leave the club for the upcoming season. Coach Miguel Cardoso is adamant on working with a smaller squad, leading to a host of departures at Chloorkop. Sipho Mbule, Rushine De Reuck, Lebohang Maboe, Thabang Sibanyoni and Rivaldo Coetzee have all left the club permanently. On the other hand, Kobamelo Kodisang was loaned out. And now, another Mamelodi Sundowns ace will reportedly leave on loan! READ MORE • Sundowns reach agreement to sell superstar! READ MORE • Orlando Pirates show Saleng another RED CARD! Dazzling midfielder Neo Maema has reportedly completed a loan move to Simba SC. The Tanzanian giants who are coached by former Orlando Pirates coach Fadlu Davids have already signed Rushine De Reuck. Last week, SABC Sport reported that Mamelodi Sundowns and Simba SC were in advanced negotiations over Maema. 'Mamelodi Sundowns are in advanced discussions with Tanzania giants Simba SC to agree a loan deal for midfielder Neo Maema, the player's agent has confirmed to SABC Sport,' the publication reported. Now, Transfermarkt Africa are reporting that the deal is all but complete. The publication claim Maema has signed a one-year loan contract with the Tanzanian giants. READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs starlet wants out, rival club ready to sign him! Is letting him leave a mistake? Do you believe Mamelodi Sundowns will miss Neo Maema? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Seema lauds Siwelele's winning start but urges more improvement
Coach Lehlohonolo Seema urges patience and improvement as Siwelele FC prepares for a tough away clash at Dobsonville Stadium after a confident Betway Premiership season opener. Photo; Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Siwelele FC coach Lehlohonolo Seema is pleased with how his side have started life in the Betway Premiership but warned that there is still a lot of work ahead. The team announced themselves in fine style with an impressive 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in their season opener. Their next challenge takes them to Orbit College's temporary home at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday (7.30 pm kick-off), as the North West-based outfit remains unable to use the Olympia Park Stadium for late matches due to ongoing floodlight repairs. Seema, making his return to the top flight after parting ways with Sekhukhune United midway through last season, was pleased with his team's performance but insisted there is still room for improvement ahead of the away trip. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Coming up against the Mwenko Boys — who suffered a 1-0 defeat against AmaZulu in their first ever top-flight match — Seema believes no team will be easy to beat this season and that a lot needs fixing before his side can become the unit he envisions. However, he was happy with his players' contributions. 'We are playing away from home on Tuesday, it's not going to be easy, no game will be easy,' Seema said. 'Everybody knows that we are the new kids on the block. We are not saying anything, the only thing is that we have to collect as many points as we can. 'Some of the things here we are still trying to find each other, the players are still trying to understand what I want. We have won, I am happy, but there is still a lot of things that did not go right. "We can keep the ball better and make better decisions. The goal we conceded was a soft goal, we need to defend better and make sure the opponent doesn't sniff any opportunities. 'The goals, the way they came, it was exactly how we wanted. Our transitions were better but there is still room to improve, but credit must go to the players.' A win is a good thing for your first ever game. Welcome to the PSL. — Mr President (@KG_ZA2025) August 10, 2025 Having bought the status of Supersport United, Siwelele took over several players from that squad who flew under the radar last season. With new surroundings and leadership, they have come alive as the team transitions from empty stadiums to potentially packed home venues this campaign. Vincent Pule and Siviwe Magidigidi were the stand-out performers, not only getting on the scoresheet but impressing throughout the contest. Despite still needing time to build a well-oiled team, Seema also called for consistency from his side, especially in home matches where they enjoy some of the strongest support in the country.
The South African
3 hours ago
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star Mofokeng sends priceless gift to Lorch
Orlando Pirates superstar Relebohile Mofokeng has sent a special gift to former Bucs star Thembinkosi Lorch. Mofokeng has quickly established himself as a household name in South African football since making his debut in 2023. The tricky winger already has 91 appearances to his name at the tender age of 20-years-old. He has already scored 18 goals for Orlando Pirates while assisting 22 more. READ MORE • Mamelodi Sundowns reach agreement to sell superstar! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs open talks with Sundowns superstar! And while he's rapidly become the poster-boy of South African football, it's easy to forget he's still just a boy who loves the game! Mofokeng has taken some time out to send a special gift to his role-model and former Orlando Pirates teammate Thembinkosi Lorch! The Bucs star sent a special jersey to the Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns winger. Here's the pictures below. Lorch replied to the gift by sending Mofokeng a special thank you message on his official social media account. Previously, Mofokeng expressed his joy to play alongside his hero Lorch at Orlando Pirates. 'My role model is Thembinkosi Lorch from 2016. During the AmaZulu FC game, I was showboating with Thembinkosi Lorch, it was the happiest moment of the match' Relebohile Mofokeng said back in 2023 as quoted by FARPost . 'It was the first time I was playing with my role model. I could see him from close range. I couldn't believe that I was playing with him, but I had to carry on. Later on, I also told him I'm in disbelief that I'm playing with him. He explained to me that we're yet to play more games.' READ MORE • Orlando Pirates reach agreement to sell superstar for R31 million! Should Mofokeng push for a move away from Orlando Pirates? Where do you think he should move to next? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
