Latest news with #Pirates'
The South African
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
When is Bafana Bafana playing against Tanzania? Date, kickoff time
Bafana Bafana have a pair of intriguing friendlies on the horizon. Orlando Pirates star Nkosinathi Sibisi will skipper the side. South Africa square up against Tanzania on Friday, 06 June at 19:30 and then Mozambique on Tuesday, 10 June, also at 19:30. What did Orlando Pirates duo Mabasa and Makgopa do to offend Broos? Sipho Chaine, Deano van Rooyen, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Simphiwe Selepe, Thalente Mbatha, Patrick Maswanganyi, Rele Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota are the nine selected. Evidence Makgopa and Tshegofatso Mabasa were in the preliminary group but didn't make the final cut. The future is now for Pirates and Bafana Bafana. Image: BackpagePix When Thabiso Sesane was cut down with a serious injury in February, nobody knew how profound an effect that event would have on Pirates' title charge. On paper, central defence is arguably the team's deepest resource with Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah and Nkosinathi Sibisi as options. However, Ndah has battled injuries and both Xoki and Sibisi have suffered dips in form. The late-season emergence of an outstandingly gifted teenager, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, has been a huge boost, but none of the club's existing centre-halves have Sesane's unique skill set. The 25-year-old was quietly and effectively becoming the marshal of Pirates' back four. It's hoped that he'll be fit in time for the early stages of the 2025-2026 campaign. Click for the story Are you excited to see South Africa in action? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
19 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
The slow poison that killed Orlando Pirates' title charge
Orlando Pirates suffered a cruel blow in February, one from which they never recovered. Was this the nail in their coffin? When Thabiso Sesane was cut down with a serious injury in February, nobody knew how profound an effect that event would have on Pirates' title charge. On paper, central defence is arguably the team's deepest resource with Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah and Nkosinathi Sibisi as options. However, Ndah has battled injuries and both Xoki and Sibisi have suffered dips in form. The late-season emergence of an outstandingly gifted teenager, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, has been a huge boost, but none of the club's existing centre-halves have Sesane's unique skill set. The 25-year-old was quietly and effectively becoming the marshal of Pirates' back four. It's hoped that he'll be fit in time for the early stages of the 2025-2026 campaign. Thabiso Sesane at the Orlando Stadium. Image: @orlandopiratesfc/X Pirates conceded 20 goals in 28 league encounters this season. Compare that to the 18 they conceded in 2023-2024, and that was in 30 matches. It's safe to say their defence has deteriorated in that regard, and Sesane's absence was a huge contributing factor. Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star midfielder set to exit after Timm
Orlando Pirates continue to ring in major changes as the club prepares for a bold squad overhaul ahead of the new campaign. Following the confirmed departures of former captain Innocent Maela and midfielder Miguel Timm, the spotlight now turns to another key player. Goodman Mosele reportedly plans to leave the club. A source revealed that the Bucs are actively trimming their squad to make way for a fresh, competitive line up. The source confirmed that the club plans to let Mosele go next. 'At the moment the club is dealing with one player at a moment. And it's apparently believed that Goodman Mosele is the next in line. I don't think he will get a loan move this time around. It's believed that the club is not renewing his contract when it expires at the end of the month,' the source stated. The imminent arrival of Sihle Nduli has intensified competition in the Pirates' midfield. Forcing management to make tough decisions. Mosele appears to be one of the casualties in a department already brimming with talent. 'There are a few players in that department and with Sihle (Nduli) believed to have finalised the move. They are cutting some off and Goodman is apparently one of the victims,' the source observed. Since joining Pirates from Baroka FC in 2021, Mosele has shown great potential. His loan spell at Chippa United in 2023 proved fruitful, earning him a Bafana Bafana call-up. Despite these achievements, the club seems unwilling to extend his contract beyond June. At 25, Mosele prepares to enter the market as a free agent. A potentially valuable acquisition for rival PSL sides in need of midfield depth. The Sea Robbers are making it clear, the squad rebuild is in full swing, and no one's place is guaranteed. Should Orlando Pirates release Mosele or give him more game time? 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
THEORY: Real reason why Orlando Pirates didn't win the league
Orlando Pirates came short in their push for the Betway Premiership title. There were a few factors, but one isn't talked about enough. When Thabiso Sesane was cut down with a serious injury, nobody knew how profound an effect that event would have on Pirates' title charge. On paper, central defence is arguably the team's deepest resource with Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah and Nkosinathi Sibisi as options. However, Ndah has battled injuries and both Xoki and Sibisi have suffered dips in form. The late-season emergence of an outstandingly gifted teenager, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, has been a huge boost, but none of the club's existing centre-halves have Sesane's unique skill set. The 25-year-old was quietly and effectively becoming the marshal of Pirates' back four. It's hoped that he'll be fit in time for the early stages of the 2025-2026 campaign. What did Makgopa and Mabasa do to offend Hugo Broos? Thabiso Sesane at the Orlando Stadium. Image: @orlandopiratesfc/X One X user said: 'Do not touch King Hotto,' presumably suggesting that the club would be foolish to release the versatile 34-year-old Deon Hotto. The Namibian is still a dependable player and popular among fans and teammates, and managers, comfortable in several positions and tactical systems. Since joining from Wits in 2020, club stalwart Hotto has notched up over 200 appearances, collecting six trophies. To say he's an underrated performer is a massive understatement. Broos explains why he likes Orlando Pirates star Selepe Is Sesane the best central defender in South Africa when fit? Let us know by leaving a comment below or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Also, subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Will Paul Skenes play tonight against San Diego Padres? Latest update on Pittsburgh Pirates star's injury report (June 1, 2025)
Image Source: Getty Pittsburgh Pirates fans are excited to know if their star pitcher, Paul Skenes, will pitch tonight against the San Diego Padres. With no injuries reported, hopes are high for the young star. Here is the latest update on Skenes' injury status and the game's importance. Paul Skenes is expected to start against the Padres tonight The Pittsburgh Pirates play the San Diego Padres tonight at 5:10 p.m. ET at PNC Park. Paul Skenes, the 22-year-old star, is likely to pitch, with no injury problems reported. He's been amazing this season, with a 2.15 ERA and 77 strikeouts. His fast pitches, reaching 98 mph, make him a fan favourite. The Pirates, with a 21-36 record, need Skenes to help them win. Manager Don Kelly says Skenes has been great, like his 6.2 scoreless innings against the Diamondbacks. The game will be on SDPA and SportsNet PT. Fans are eager to see Skenes take on the Padres. Also Read: Shohei Ohtani shatters 73-year-old Dodgers record as Yankees watch history unfold Pirates aim to snap losing streak The Pirates are looking to end their losing streak against the Padres. The Pirates haven't beaten the Padres since 2023. The Pirates sit at a measly .184 batting average, which further strains the Pirates' pitching staff. The biggest key to tonight's game is Skenes, who is sitting out of this game, and makes this game even harder to win. The Padres, led by Jackson Merrill, have a strong lineup, challenging the Pirates' hopes. General manager Ben Cherington has dismissed trade rumors about Skenes, emphasizing his role in the team's future. Fans at Petco Park are ready to support Pittsburgh, hoping for a win to boost morale. Skenes' recent dominance, like his scoreless outing against the Diamondbacks, shows what he brings to the team. The Pirates' young core, including Oneil Cruz, needs to step up to support their pitchers. This game is a chance to show progress and end the skid. A victory could set a positive tone for the series and help the Pirates climb out of their early-season slump, giving fans hope for a better 2025.
