Latest news with #AbdeslamOuaddou
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City: Date, Kick-Off Time, MTN8, Predicted XI
Orlando Pirates will defend their MTN8 title against Polokwane City this coming weekend. The Buccaneers spent two weeks in Spain for pre-season, where they played several teams, including Las Palmas and Granada. With 11 new signings, all eyes will be on Abdeslam Ouaddou as he will be on the touchline officially for the first time as Orlando Pirates coach. The Sea Robbers finished second in the Betway Premiership behind Mamelodi Sundowns and only had MTN8 trophy to show at the end of the season. In the past five editions, the Buccaneers have won it four times and are closing in on Kaizer Chiefs' record. No team has ever won the competition four times in a row, but Pirates are favourites to do the unthinkable. The match will be played on Saturday (2 August) at the Orlando Stadium. Kick-off is set for 15:00. This will be the first PSL match of the 2025/26 season, with the Betway Premiership kicking off a week later. Here's how Orlando Pirates can lineup for the MTN8 clash; Sipho Chaine (GK) Deano van Rooyen (RB) Nkosinathi Sibisi (CB) Mbekezile Mbokazi (CB) Deon Hotoo (LB) Makhehlene Makhaula (DM) Sipho Mbule (CM) Sinoxolo Kwayiba (AM) Oswin Appollis (LW) Relebohile Mofokeng (RW) Tshegofatso Mabasa (ST) Orlando Pirates have not lost an MTN8 match since going down to Stellenbosch at the Orlando Stadium in 2023 but they still won the tie on aggregate. Let us know 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.
The South African
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Full details: Orlando Pirates' first match this week
Orlando Pirates' first competitive fixture in the new Betway Premiership season under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is upon us. Orlando Pirates will be eager to make a strong statement with a reshaped technical team post the Jose Riveiro era. A successful MTN8 start would not only boost morale but also set the tone for what could be a season of transformation under Ouaddou. Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Sundowns player and goalkeeper Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou trains his team ahead of the MTN8 game against Polokwane City. Image: orlandopirates/Instagram City's solid showing last season and their return to the MTN8 prove that they are more than capable of producing surprises. They'll arrive in Soweto with nothing to lose and everything to gain, which could make them a dangerous opponent. Orlando Pirates news: Makgopa, Radiopane and Mofokeng All eyes will be on new Orlando Pirates winger Oswin Appollis, who faces his former team just weeks after completing his move to the Soweto giants. His pace, creativity, and inside knowledge of Polokwane's defensive setup could be a game-changer. What Oswin Appollis said about joining Orlando Pirates: 'It is a dream come true to play for Pirates; playing for this great club is an honour. I always watched Pirates on TV; wearing this jersey means a lot to me,' said Appollis. 'Facing Polokwane City so soon after leaving makes this even more special. But I'm focused on helping my new team win. That's the most important thing.' Fixture: Orlando Pirates vs Polokwane City Date and time: Saturday, 2 August at 15:00 Venue: Orlando Stadium, Johannesburg Competition: MTN8. 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.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mamelodi Sundowns keep it simple while rivals roll the dice on change
Mamelodi Sundowns have gone into the last eight seasons of what is now the most dominant league era in the history of football in South Africa with questions constantly being asked about who will eventually topple them. And just like every other season, the upcoming one will not be any different. Despite a lot of movement from their rivals in the transfer market, Sundowns' relatively quiet incoming traffic may work in their favour. Last season was one of the few campaigns where they were run close, and despite a slow start to the season, their finish made a massive statement as they comfortably clinched their eighth consecutive title in the end. With their sights also set on domestic trophies and the CAF Champions League, it will be yet another season where it's tough for the chased to knock them off their pedestal. They will head into the season once again with their cards stacked nicely for them. Here we will unpack three key reasons why they will likely continue their dominance in the coming season. Minimal change from last season There has been a lot made of Orlando Pirates' many new arrivals, with a host of impressive signings making their way into the home of the former CAF Champions League winners. Despite the excitement and the expectation that comes with all those signings, there will also be a concerning factor in terms of how long it might take for all the new arrivals to gel. Add to that the presence of a new coach in Abdeslam Ouaddou, and it's clear Pirates may need time to hit top gear.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: 11 players signed, 11 gone
Orlando Pirates team strolling for a pitch inspection at the Orando Stadium. Image: @orlandopirates/X Betway Premiership top dogs Orlando Pirates have introduced a remarkable 11 new signings under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. The list includes the former Mamelodi Sundowns superstar Sipho Mbule and Polokwane City's winger Oswin Appollis. That's not all. Orlando Pirates have parted ways with the likes of Monnapule Saleng and Mohau Nkota. Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou trains his team at the Rand Stadium before the preseason camp in Marbella, Spain. Image: @orlandopirates/X Also read: Kaizer Chiefs news: Nigerian striker and live match on SABC Tshepho Mashiloane, 23, right back from Baroka FC Lebone Seema, 22, left central defender from TS Galaxy Nkosikhona Ndaba, 22, left-back from Richards Bay Sihle Nduli, 29, central midfielder from Stellenbosch FC Sipho Mbule, 27, central midfielder from Mamelodi Sundowns Masindi Nemtajela, 23, central midfielder from Marumo Gallants Tshepang Moremi, 24, winger from AmaZulu Sinoxolo Kwayiba, 25, attacking midfielder from Chippa United Yanela Mbuthuma, 23, striker from Richards Bay Oswin Appollis, 23, winger from Polokwane City Kamegelo Sebelebele, 22, winger from TS Galaxy. Also read: Kaizer Chiefs waiting to sign 11th striker in five years Paseko Mako,30, left-back Thabiso Monyane, 25, right-back Mohau Nkota, 20, winger Yanga Madiba, 23, left-back Azola Tshobeni, 22, attacking midfielder Moonapule Saleng, 27, winger Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, 31, central midfielder Innocent Maela, 32, left-back Miguel Timm, 33, central midfielder Thuso Moleleki, 25, attacking midfielder Zakhele Lepasa, 28, forward. 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.
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Ouaddou wants more exits
Orlando Pirates are not done trimming their squad ahead of the new season. According to the latest transfer update, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou wants to work with a smaller squad for the upcoming season. In light of their new coach's decision, five more players have been linked with the exit door at the club! READ MORE • Mamelodi Sundowns star set for European switch! READ MORE • R20 million Mamelodi Sundowns star wanted by Siwelele FC! The Buccaneers have already said their goodbyes to a host of first team players. And new reports suggest it doesn't end there! 'new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is believed to be finalising his squad for the first half of the new to Siya sources,' a Soccer Laduma report read. 'Ouaddou is not expected to work with more than 35 players in his squad as he looks to implement a more focused and competitive environment at the club.' The publication further claims that Orlando Pirates could either release or loan the following players out. Ayanda Zulu Gilberto Siphelo Baloni Selaelo Rasebotja Katlego Otladisa READ MORE • How much Pirates paid for Oswin Appollis! Considering all of the changes at Orlando Pirates, where do you think they'll finish on the Betway Premiership log standings? Can they lift the title? 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.
