Orlando Pirates make move by reuniting with treble-winning man
Orlando Pirates to make a power move by reuniting with a treble-winning man.
The Buccaneers are gearing up for a bold administrative shakeup as they prepare to welcome back one of their most accomplished former officials, Senzo Mbatha. According to a source, Pirates are finalizing plans to reinstate the experienced football administrator as part of a major strategic revamp ahead of the upcoming season.
Industry insiders confirm the move aims to build a high-powered backroom unit that can match the club's on-field ambitions. 'What they are trying to do is build a strong backroom staff with well-learned and travelled administrators,' a source revealed. 'That's why they are also believed to be bringing in Senzo Mbatha.'
Mbatha is expected to join a heavyweight administrative trio alongside current officials Floyd Mbele and Mcebo Dlamini. This elite team will spearhead the club's mission for dominance across all levels of operation. 'If all goes according to plan, they will have Senzo, Floyd Mbele, and Mcebo Dlamini working together for the good of the team,' the source added. 'So apparently, Mbatha will be joining the team at the start of the new season.'
Though not officially reinstated yet, Mbatha has reportedly already started contributing to the club's operations behind closed doors. 'As far as we know, there were other things that Senzo was helping the team with,' said the source. 'I can't exactly say what it was, but during some of the CAF Champions League games, he was hands-on with the team. But it's believed that he will be returning full-time to the club next season.'
Senzo Mbatha brings more than just experience—he brings a winning pedigree. Having previously played a key role in Pirates' historic treble-winning campaign, his return promises stability, structure, and international flair. His resume includes stints at Bay United, the University of Pretoria, and Platinum Stars. On the international stage, Mbatha led Tanzanian clubs Yanga SC and Simba SC as CEO and worked with the Botswana Football Association.
By bringing Mbatha back into the fold, Orlando Pirates aren't just hiring a familiar face, they're rearming with one of the most respected football minds in Africa.
Stay tuned with The South African as Orlando Pirates to make a power move by reuniting with a treble-winning man.
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
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Broos evaluates new players in Bafana's draw with Tanzania
Khulumani Ndamane of South Africa challenged by Selemani Mwalimu of Tanzania during the 2025 International Friendly match at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane. | BackpagePix THE GOALLESS draw that Bafana Bafana played against Tanzania at Polokwane's Peter Mokaba Stadium Friday night would seem to suggest a dearth of alternate talent available to coach Hugo Broos. But the Belgian would no doubt have been pleased with some of the players he handed debuts to in a friendly international intended for blooding new players. Khulumani Ndamani walked away with the man of the match award in his maiden appearance for the country's senior national team and expressed a desire to continue wearing the gold and green in future. On a night when the regular Bafana players were absent, the squad missed all the Mamelodi Sundowns players who usually make up the bulk of the starting line-up, the newbies gave as good as they got against a pretty physical Tanzania outfit that was clearly out to impress. Guided by the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi and Oswin Appolis who have been in the squad for a while now, Bafana controlled proceedings and asked questions of the visitors early on with the latter seeing his attempt that was headed for goal cleared just before it crossed the line on ten minutes. It could well have been that he was playing in the city where he plays his club football because Appollis was bafana's livewire and had two other chances, one a shot late in the half which the Tanzanian goalkeeper saved with consummate ease. He then blasted a free kick against the wall shortly after the break. Another Bafana 'oldie' Thalenthe Mbatha disturbed the bats' flying pattern with a rugby style shot late in the first half as the hosts looked to make their dominance count for a goal. Besides Ndanmane, Broos also handed new caps to Deano Van Rooyen and Simphiwe Selepe from the onset while goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner came on for Ricardo Goss during the second half. Relebohile Mofokeng came on late in the game and almost scored when he lobbed the advanced goalkeeper but only succeeded in landing the ball on the roof of the net. Tanzania played a pretty physical match with some crunching tackles that left Broos jumping up and down the sidelines in anger. He would have, however, been pleased with the exercise of handing out new caps in a bid to grow his pool of players ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in September as wella s the Africa Cup of Nations finals set to take place in Morocco at the end of the year. Bafana are due to play against Mozambique at the same venue on Tuesday.
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Tepid Bafana held by Tanzania
Hugo Broos' experimental Bafana side battled to break down Tanzania. Oswin Appollis was Bafana's best player in the first half. Picture: Alche Greeff/BackpagePix An experimental Bafana Bafana failed to spark against Tanzania in an unremarkable goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Friday. ALSO READ: Orlando Pirates release Chiefs-linked defender Hugo Broos may well have got what he needed to out of watching several players making their Bafana debuts in this international friendly. And the Belgian's competitive record is spectacular enough to suggest it will be put to good use in September's Fifa World Cup qualifiers. Bafana struggle This was a painful watch in general, however, as Bafana laboured to break down a Tanzanian side that seemed content with a draw from kick off. Three players were handed their Bafana debuts from the start against Tanzania. Orlando Pirates pair Deano Van Rooyen and Simphiwe Selepe along with TS Galaxy's Khulumani Ndumane got their chance to shine on the international stage. It was one of Bafana's regulars, Oswin Appollis, who shone in the first half. In just the fourth minute, the Polokwane City forward pounced on a mistake in the Tanzania penalty area, but his effort was cleared off the line. On the half hour mark, a neat passing move found Thalente Mbatha in space on the edge of the box, but he fired way off target. And on the stroke of half time, it was Appollis who threatened again, his long-range strike comfortably saved by Tanzania goalkeeper Suleiman Ali. In truth, the first half was a difficult watch, with neither side really able to string too much together in the attacking third. Greater intent Bafana came out with far more intent after the break. Tshepang Moremi nearly latched onto Mbatha's fine long range pass. Moremi then saw his fizzing long-range effort tipped wide by Ali. ALSO READ: Rulani speaks out on Pirates rumours Broos rang the substitutions as the game wore on. Sekhukhune goalkeeper Renaldo Leaner replaced Ricardo Goss to make his Bafana debut. Pirates winger Mohau Nkota also got on the pitch for his debut, while Relebohile Mofokeng entered the field at the same time. And Mofokeng blew a great chance to score in stoppage time when he was gifted possession and chipped the ball over Ali but onto the roof of the net.
The South African
4 hours ago
- The South African
Mamelodi Sundowns to dismiss two new signings already
Mamelodi Sundowns are indeed heading into a new direction under coach Miguel Cardoso. The club have somewhat developed a reputation for holding onto players they no longer needed over recent years. That however is about to change! According to the latest reports, Cardoso has already seen enough of two players who recently joined the club! READ MORE • Rulani Mokwena to Orlando Pirates: Major update! READ MORE • Kaizer Chiefs set to hijack marquee Pirates transfer target! Mamelodi Sundowns look set to part ways with two 'new' players in the coming days. Defender Lucas Suarez, who joined the Brazilians in January 2025 on loan from CA Talleres, looks set to return back to Argentina. Mamelodi Sundowns had an option to purchase him however reports suggest the club have passed on it. Furthermore, midfielder Kobamelo Kodisang will also reportedly be offloaded by the club. The winger is only one-year into his five-year contract at the club however coach Miguel Cardoso has deemed him surplus to requirements at Mamelodi Sundowns. 'There are off the field issues that the club has tried to deal with away from the public and that's why you didn't see him making the team towards the end of last season. From what I have been told, it looks like there's no way back for him and he will definitely leave Mamelodi Sundowns,' an insider told Citizen regarding Kodisang. READ MORE • Orlando Pirates beat Kaizer Chiefs to star PSL signing! Which other players do you think are surplus to requirements at Mamelodi Sundowns. Additionally which players do you think deserve another chance to shine at the Brazilians? Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@ or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @ TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
