Latest news with #LuckyLekgwathi
The South African
4 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Lekgwathi and Ouaddou
Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes the Buccaneers have what it takes to end Mamelodi Sundowns' dynasty in the Betway Premiership, but only if they learn from past mistakes and show greater consistency against so-called smaller teams. Sundowns have set a high standard in recent years, regularly finishing seasons with more than 70 points, with Orlando Pirates' former coach Jose Riveiro dubbing them a 'points machine.' Orlando Pirates finished 12 points adrift of Sundowns last season and a massive 23 points the year before. Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Coach Nabi speaks 'As a team, you need to learn from your mistakes. I hope they have learnt from dropping points against some of the smaller teams,' Lekgwathi said… Full story here. Lucky Lekgwathi captains Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League. Image: Kick Off New Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hasn't shied away from the pressure that comes with managing one of the continent's biggest football clubs. The 46-year-old Moroccan tactician was appointed after the legendary Jose Riveiro left the Buccaneers for Egyptian giants Al Ahly. Confirmed: Kaizer Chiefs target still belongs to Sundowns Orlando Pirates supporters enjoyed no fewer than three MTN8 trophies and two Nedbank Cup titles in three seasons under Riveiro. 'It's positive pressure, I must say, when you put your feet in such a big club, not only in South Africa, but on the continent, of course, the board doesn't bring you here to chill, I know the expectation of the fans, of the board,' Ouaddou told the media… Full story. 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 told how to catch Sundowns
Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes the Buccaneers have what it takes to end Mamelodi Sundowns' dynasty in the Betway Premiership, but only if they learn from past mistakes and show greater consistency against so-called smaller teams. Sundowns have set a high standard in recent years, regularly finishing seasons with more than 70 points, with Orlando Pirates' former coach Jose Riveiro dubbing them a 'points machine.' Orlando Pirates finished 12 points adrift of Sundowns last season and a massive 23 points the year before. Chiefs and Pirates news: Mofokeng reports and 25-goal striker With 12 new highly-rated signings, expectations are high at the Orlando Stadium. However, Lekgwathi believes it's not just about high-profile signings or individual quality, it's about taking care of business against every opponent, especially those fighting at the bottom. 'As a team, you need to learn from your mistakes. I hope they have learnt from dropping points against some of the smaller teams,' Lekgwathi told Soccer Laduma . 'If they can rectify that, then they can win it. You need to collect points from the so-called smaller clubs. That's where you win the league,' the Orlando Pirates legend concluded. Lucky Lekgwathi captains Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League. Image: Kick Off Kaizer Chiefs transfer news: Coach Nabi speaks The Sea Robbers will begin their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign against Sekhukhune United at 17:30 on Saturday at Orlando Stadium. 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
7 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Lekgwathi gives his honest opinion on new Orlando Pirates captain
Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has given his thoughts on the club's new captain. Last week, the club announced Nkosinathi Sibisi as their new captain after the retirement of Innocent Maela. The former Golden Arrows star was the club's regular captain in the absence of Maela and Tapelo Xoki. Mbekezile Mbokazi and Xoki will serve as vice-captains and Lekgwathi feels Abdeslam Ouaddou made the correct decisions by appointing three leaders. 'Mbokazi can also do it. It has always been Pirates' tradition to believe in young leaders,' said the ex-Pirates captain. 'Sibisi has proven that he's a good leader. He's a hard worker, and he's now the Defender of the Season. He's a disciplined boy, and now he's also vocal, shouting instructions from the back. 'I am happy for him, and we will also help him as former captains if he needs anything,' he told Sowetan. With Orlando Pirates appointing Ouaddou in June, Lekgwathi pleaded with fans to be patient with the coach. 'The coach is still new, so people must not put pressure on him,' the former defender 'We must just give him time to implement his philosophy. I know supporters, the expectations are high, but for me, winning the league would be a bonus for the coach, although it's our wish,' Lekgwathi added. 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
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Two released Orlando Pirates players never complained
Orlando Pirates made big decisions last month. The captain, Innocent Maela, and his vice skipper, Miguel Timm, left the Buccaneers after a combined 274 matches in the Betway Premiership. The club's veteran former skipper, Lucky Lekgwathi, has shared wisdom and gratitude towards the departed left-back and midfielder. Timm is linked with a move to fellow Betway Premiership side Sekhukhune United, while Maela is set to take up a staff role at Orlando Pirates. Rumours: Kaizer Chiefs have signed these four players Lekgwathi believes the club made the right decision, while also saluting the duo for always remaining professional when opportunities to play dried up. 'For me, I think it was a good decision, as I believe that both guys played their part and contributed to the team over the years. Players come and go, and the club had to make a decision,' said Lekgwathi via Soccer Laduma . Kaizer Chiefs news: Another Congolese attacker Lucky Lekgwathi captains Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League. Image: Kick Off 'I believe both guys played a big role in the club's progress, and they deserve a pat on the back for their contribution. You know, with some players, if they were regulars and played a big part when the club won trophies, they tend to complain when they are no longer playing as regularly, but with Maela and Timm, I don't remember that ever happening. 'The guys remained professional, and they led by example. They were good examples to the young players in the team. I am sure even the chairman was happy with the guys for the role they played in the team during their time. I am so proud of them, and I just want to wish them good luck going forward,' added Lekgwathi. New Orlando Pirates winger: 'I can attack and I can defend' 'They still have age on their side, and they can still play if they wish,' Lekgwathi added. 'Age is just a number, and I remember that in my late 30s I was still playing, and I was scoring crucial goals for the team, and I believe they can also do it with their experience,' concluded Lekgwathi. 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
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates-Saleng saga reaches new low: It's officially over?
Orlando Pirates legend Lucky Lekgwathi believes the Monnapule Saleng saga played a role in the club's Champions League and Nedbank Cup failure. 'What I think almost ruined things was the Saleng matter,' he said. 'If we didn't have that issue, I think we'd be talking a different story because you'd know we have depth on the left and on the right.' 'Right now, if [Mohau] Nkota isn't playing, I don't know who is supposed to be in that position.' The 27-year-old has caused a string among the Orlando Pirates ranks since disappearing in early December over salary demands the club were unwilling to pay. Saleng hasn't played for the Soweto giants since, prompting speculation of an offseason exit, which seems all but certain. Lekgwathi doesn't see depth as being Orlando Pirates' peril this season, saying, 'I think we have depth in the squad; In previous seasons, I have complained about the number of players in each position, but now you can see it.' 'For example, the defenders, Tapelo [Xoki] came in, he did good, when he's out [Nkosinathi] Sibisi is there, and now [Mbekezeli] Mbokazi is bossing the backline, and we still have the likes of [Olisa] Ndah and [Innocent] Maela on the bench. I think there is competition and a healthy one at that in all the positions. 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.
