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IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Appollis faces former club as Buccaneers begin MTN8 title defence
Oswin Appollis could debut for Pirates against his old club Polokwane City in Saturday's MTN8 clash. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Oswin Appollis could well make his official debut for Orlando Pirates against his former club Polokwane City this weekend. The two clubs clash in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the Buccaneers as defending champions and aiming to win the competition for a record-extending fourth season in a row. A marquee signing for the Buccaneers during the off-season, the Bafana Bafana winger is expected to play a key role as Pirates aim to end their lengthy league title drought by toppling the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns. First, though, he must prove his worth in the famous black and white colours by helping the Soweto giants retain the season-opening trophy. BTS from our 2025/26 Home & Away Kit shoot 📸 📍 Available now at the Orlando Stadium 💻 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 ☠️ ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 29, 2025 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 That his former club provides the first hurdle is sure to test Appollis' sentiments towards City. This, after all, is a club he served diligently and with distinction over several years, only for them to block a big-money move abroad when a club from North Africa showed strong interest. Locally, both Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs were eager to sign him, with the latter pursuing him for two successive seasons. At one point, the Capetonian was even frozen out of matches — a move widely condemned across the local football fraternity, which viewed club boss Johnny Mogaladi as being unfair in denying the player a deserved opportunity on a bigger stage. Eventually, City relented — but not to Chiefs. Instead, Appollis signed for their fierce rivals, Pirates. The winger has looked every bit the Buccaneer during pre-season in Spain and is expected to form a dynamic combination with starlet Relebohile Mofokeng. BTS from our 2025/26 Home & Away Kit shoot 📸 📍 Available now at the Orlando Stadium 💻 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 ☠️ ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 29, 2025 Will that partnership be on show this weekend? And how will Appollis feel about facing his former teammates and the club that gave him his professional breakthrough, after his initial stint at SuperSport United failed to launch? Footballers worldwide often show what is called "respect" by refraining from celebrating against their former clubs. We saw this last season when Vincent Pule scored for SuperSport United against Pirates but opted not to celebrate, even as his teammates erupted with joy. Appollis, by nature, is a fairly reserved character who doesn't go overboard when he scores. Having already expressed gratitude to City for the opportunity they gave him to shine and earn national team honours, it's highly likely that any celebration from him — should he score — will be muted. That said, do not expect him to hold back or show sympathy towards his former side. He is a Buccaneer now — a consummate professional who will give everything to ensure the defending champions move on to the next stage. Given his status as the club's marquee signing, he is duty-bound to produce a performance of the highest standard. The Ghost are expectant, and he cannot afford to disappoint, lest they start to feel he was money wasted. A standout display — and perhaps a small nod to the skull-and-crossbones insignia if he scores — will go a long way in winning over the Orlando Stadium faithful. It could mark the beginning of a memorable chapter at a club renowned for turning talented players into both club and national icons. Appollis has the potential to become one such player. The fact that he became a national hero while playing for modest Polokwane City speaks volumes. Now he has an even grander platform. nd what better way to announce himself than with a starring role against his former club on debut for his new one?
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mabasa aims for goal improvement as Orlando Pirates prepare for new season
Tshegofatso Mabasa is ready to embrace the demands of the new season, relying on the strong sense of brotherhood within the Orlando Pirates squad to achieve success. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The passage of time has taught Tshegofatso Mabasa to embrace pressure and brotherhood, so that's why he's focused on helping Orlando Pirates do well next season. Mabasa scored fifteen goals in 48 games last season, and that was an average return after he netted nineteen goals in 33 matches the season before. So, as the new season beckons, Mabasa will be eager to improve his numbers upfront by contributing to as many goals as he possibly can for the team. However, the 28-year-old admits that he's not fazed by the responsibility as it's part and parcel of the job. 'The older I get, the less worried I am about pressure,' the striker said during the premiere of Pirates' docu-series Giants, last week. 'You can't perform well without pressure.' Just 2 days to go until Giants hit your screens ☠️ 📆 Sunday, 27 July 📺 21:00 on SuperSport & Mzansi Magic ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways#giantsondstv — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ Being able to handle pressure hasn't come naturally for Mabasa. He has to feed off the support of his teammates and technical team as well. As such, when he went through a rough patch last season, resulting in him losing his place in the starting berth, it was his replacement, Evidence Makgopa, who offered him more support. So, that's why Mabasa doesn't look at the rest of the strikers at Pirates as his direct competitors, but rather as brothers. 'One thing about us is that there's healthy competition. You can actually see when we are doing finishing drills after training, the amount of support and love we share (is there),' he said. 'Take Evidence, for example, he's one person that knows almost everything that I've to deal with last season. Yet that time he was playing ahead of me. 'He supported me, and was there to try and lift me up. He'll be the first one to areye ngwana (let's go, kid). So, that's the sort of thing. I'd do the same thing for him as well. 'So that shows the relationship we have in the team. I think when 'Radio' (Boitumelo Radiopane) scored his first goal, a penalty, everyone ran to him, including myself.' The camaraderie within the Pirates teams runs in the entire group as the new players have quickly fitted in like a glove as well, following an exclusive tour of Spain. 'I think the trip to Spain gave us a chance to integrate them, and maybe away from all the noise in the country at that time,' said Mabasa of the adaptation of the new players. 'For us to be away, and be given that opportunity, I think it worked well because you can see how they performed even in the friendly games. 'Look at (Sipho) Mbule and (Oswin) Appollis' performances in the friendlies. It's just now for them to come back home, and do it here. We believe in them and they have our support.' Mabasa and Co have new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who has to support them and be supported as well. Ouaddou's job is cut out for him as he has to make the team tick on the field, following the arrival of eleven new players, while getting results as well. The Moroccan-born coach replaces Jose Riveiro who won five trophies and bagged three successive runners-up spots in the league during his three-year reign. Mabasa, though, believes that the former Fulham defender will succeed at the club as he hasn't done much to change the foundation that has been built by his predecessor. 'I have noticed that he's a demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' said Mabasa of his impression about Ouaddou. 'He's encouraging, and quite similar to coach Riveiro. There's not a lot that coach Ouaddou is trying to change – it's probably about defending set-pieces and dealing with transition. 'He's just trying to improve on the areas that we lacked last season, and we feel that's mostly from set-pieces, especially looking at the game we lost against Pyramids.' The camaraderie within the Pirates team runs in the entire group as the new players have quickly fitted in like a glove as well, following an exclusive tour of Spain. 'I think the trip to Spain gave us a chance to integrate them, and maybe away from all the noise in the country at that time,' said Mabsa of the adaptation of the new players. 'For us to be away, and be given that opportunity, I think it worked well because you can see how they performed even in the friendly games. 'Look at (Sipho) Mbule and (Osowin) Appollis' performances in the friendlies. It's just now for them to come back home, and do it here. We believe in them and they have our support.' Mabasa and Co have new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who has to support them and be supported as well. Ouaddou's job is cut out for him as he has to make the team tick on the field, following the arrival of 11 new players, while getting results as well. The Moroccan born coach replaces Jose Riveiro who won five trophies and bagged three successive runners-up spots in the league during his three year reign. Mabasa, though, believes that the former Fulham defender will succeed at the club as he hasn't done much to change the foundation that has been built by his predecessor. 'I have noticed that he's a demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' said Mabasa of his impression about Ouaddou. 'He's encouraging, and quite similar to coach Riveiro. There's not a lot that coach Ouaddou is trying to change - it's probably about defending setpieces and dealing with transition. 'He's just trying to improve on the areas that we lacked last season, and we feel that's mostly from set-pieces, especially looking at the game we lost against Pyramids.'
IOL News
4 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou leads Orlando Pirates as Thalente Mbatha sets personal targets
His skillset was also honed by coach Jose Riveiro who's since left the club and joined Egyptian Al Ahly club. Since arriving at Pirates 18 months ago, Mbatha has embodied his name - showcasing his talent and endearing himself to the football fraternity. Orlando Pirates' midfielder Thalente Mbatha says he should be mentally strong and focused next season if he's to achieve the targets he's set for himself. Just 2 days to go until Giants hit your screens ☠️ 📆 Sunday, 27 July 📺 21:00 on SuperSport & Mzansi Magic ⚫⚪🔴⭐ #OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways #giantsondstv New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has also rolled his sleeves and quickly got to work as he led the team when they intensified their preparations for next season with a two-week tour of Spain. Pirates needed the tour as they must be at their best next season and compete for all trophies up for grabs, including the Betway Premiership and CAF Champions League. Mbatha, moreover, has to be at his best in club football to ensure that he makes Bafana Bafana final squad that will compete at Afcon in Morocco later in the year. 'For me, personally, it's going to be a very interesting year. It's not going to be easy,' Mbatha explained. 'So, it's something that I should be prepared for mentally. 'It's a year where everything can happen in a blink of an eye or go down. So, I believe that I should continue to stay focused and work hard. 'We play a sport that has a short span, so I believe that if you take care of yourself, then I will be able to do the right things and achieve whatever I want to.' Mbatha wants to work hard to ensure that he's also considered for individual awards next season such as the Midfielder of the Season after missing out on a nomination last campaign. 'I wouldn't put it that way, but I believe that I did what I needed to do during the season,' said Mbatha on whether he was disappointing with his omission. 'The people that are in the category, I think they also deserve it because they've actually been competing for their respective clubs. 'For me, it's about continuing working hard, and who knows what will happen? As you know, I think of this as another stepping stone - I am still young and able to showcase my talent.'
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
I just want to see myself on the field of play again - Injury-free Lepasa says after leaving Orlando Pirates
Zakhele Lepasa of Orlando Pirates during the DStv Premiership match against TS Galaxy at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto BAFANA Bafana striker Zakhele Lepasa has left Orlando Pirates after not playing for the whole of last season. | BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix Zakhele Lepasa's nine-and-a-half year chapter with Orlando Pirates was closed on Friday following the striker's season-long spell on the sidelines. Lepasa was nurtured in the club's development a few years ago. As such, the club banked on him to be a capital investment someday. And so as to protect him, instead of throwing him in the deep end, they loaned him out, notably to TS Galaxy during the 2018/2019 season, to get some game-time. Lepasa shone at Galaxy, then competing in the national first division at the time, helping the team win the Nedbank Cup. That triumph in the final was sweeter for Lepasa as he scored the winning solo goal against the arch-rivals of his parent club, Kaizer Chiefs. Lepasa returned to Pirates after that season, but he failed to live up to expectations at the club, due to form and injuries. 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐊 𝐘𝐎𝐔 @Lepasazakhele for your commitment and contribution to @OrlandoPirates Wishing you the very best in your next chapter 𝐎𝐧𝐜𝐞.𝐀𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates #OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 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 The 28-year-old, who also spent six months at SuperSport United at some point, failed to make a single appearance for Pirates last season due to an injury. Consequently, the club decided to release him on Friday, ending a relationship that has spanned for close to a decade. Speaking at the premiere of Pirates' new documentary series, Giants, which Lepasa prominently features in, before he was officially released, he opened up on prospects. 'One thing that would mean a lot to me is seeing myself on the field of play, wearing a football jersey and getting the first minutes of the season,' Lepasa explained. 'I obviously didn't play for the whole of last season. Previously, I've had an injury like that (like the one that kept out last season), but that one had occurred in December, and I came back the following December. 'So, I then missed the last part and first part of the season. I never felt like I was out for the whole season. 'So, this is the first part that this has happened and it obviously brings a lot of doubt in my life and career - whether I can still try and be back and achieve what I set for myself.' Lepasa added that only playing will assert whether he still has what it takes to get back to his best and even fight for a spot in the national team. 'It (the injury) has done nothing but flawed my hunger because of the pain that I had to go through and sacrifices that I had to go through in one year,' Lepasa said. 'So to find myself (not) playing football was not easy. It was close to impossible (to endure) at some point. 'So, I won't say that I have overcome it, so having to play and be more regular is actually going to stamp that (whether I am fully back).' The South African Football Association has announced the squad that will represent the country at the CAF African Nations Championship next month. The team will assemble in Johannesburg on Friday, 25 July 2025. @SABC_Sport — Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) July 24, 2025 Lepasa is still highly rated in football circles as Bafana Bafana A side coach Molefi Ntseki has called him up for the Chan tournament which will be hosted in Kenya and Tanzania next month. 'I am yet to think about it,' Lepasa said of his call-up. 'What's crazy about Chan is that when a lot of us are regulars in our team, we tend to take Chan for granted. 'So when an opportunity like this arises, and you haven't played for a while, then that's only when you understand how important it is. 'Now it is as important as playing for Bafana and playing in the qualifiers, or Afcon. I am yet to think about it. But I am definitely happy about it. 'It's not just about being happy, but if I can see myself playing and training well, feeling like myself again, I think that's one thing I am looking forward to.'
