Latest news with #Pirates'
The South African
10 hours ago
- Business
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Star departure looms, big deal signed
The transfer window has been anything but quiet for Orlando Pirates. After a busy off-season filled with arrivals, two major stories continue to dominate headlines — one involving a star on his way out, and another about a contract renewal within the squad. Relebohile Mofokeng could soon be on his way to Europe. The 20-year-old's standout performances have caught the eye of several major clubs abroad, with PSV Eindhoven leading the charge. He even scored during Pirates' final match of their European tour, a 2-0 victory over Granada. Insiders say the Dutch side is ready to invest heavily. 'R100 million is like a round figure. It's more than that!' one source revealed. 'The amount they were negotiating for was initially R120 million. You know it's not exactly what you want that you get, and that's why they are talking about the R100 million.' This comes after PSV reportedly cooled interest in another South African forward, now choosing to pursue a long-term deal for Mofokeng. A second source added, 'There are different scouts from Holland believed to be working with recruiters for PSV. They enquired about [Iqraam] Rayners but now it's clear they're focused on Mofokeng.' As that potential move gathers momentum, Orlando Pirates are also shoring up the squad's experience. A new deal for veteran midfielder Makhehlene Makhaula is reportedly done, pending the club's official announcement. His agent, Sizwe Ntshangase, confirmed the deal was all but sealed. 'I don't like to talk too much about the contract of a player I represent,' he said, 'but our discussions with Pirates have gone very well, to the satisfaction of both parties.' 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.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
High praise for Orlando Pirates from former Barcelona and Atlético Madrid international
He also added, "Pirates are one of the top teams in South Africa. It was a great match because of their physical style. Playing against them is helpful for us, especially in our first week of training and having our first friendly match." He mentioned, "It was a good test for us to keep improving and get fit for the championship (Spanish 2nd Division). Orlando Pirates are a very physical team, showing good rhythm, strong individual skills, and effective football." Garcia, a former winger for Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, had some nice words for Orlando Pirates after the match. UD LAS Palmas head coach Luis Garcia praised Orlando Pirates after their goalless draw on Thursday night at the Estadio Municipal Antonio Lorenzo Cuevas in Marbella, Spain. SINOXOLO Kwayiba is one of the new Orlando Pirats signings on a mission to impress in the Preseason Tour of Spain. | OrlandoPirates Pirates' new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said his team struggled to handle the high-pressing game from the Spaniards. "Today's game was not easy," Ouaddou said. "We can say we were chasing the ball; we played against the most pressing team. So, it's a positive takeaway even if we didn't have much of the ball." He mentioned, "I found a strong team spirit, and we're going to need that as the season goes on, especially when we're playing away in the Champions League. We need to focus on the positives." Pirates kicked off their pre-season tour with a 2-0 loss to Bolton Wanderers from England, followed by a 1-1 draw against Cypriot club Pafos earlier this week. This pre-season tour is all about gearing up for the upcoming league campaign. Pirates are eager to shake off their bridesmaid title from the past three seasons. Their recent signings show they're serious about challenging Mamelodi Sundowns, who have been the top dogs in the Premiership for the last eight seasons. As Sundowns prepare for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign, boosted by their FIFA Club World Cup experience, Pirates are looking to take the crown from them. Ouaddou's first challenge is to defend the MTN8 title- the cup that has served as the Buccaneers' springboard for a fruitfull season for the past three years, under former head coach Jose Riveiro. Ouaddou's first official match incharge will be against unpredictable Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on August 2. As the result of Riveiro's Pirates' owning of the MTN8 title, nothing less will be expected by The Ghost this season. Winning the MTN8 or at least going as far as the final, would go a long way for Ouaddou into not only endearing himself to passionate Pirates' supporters but also gaining himself recognition and respect in South African football. Pirates continue their Preseason Spain Tour with a match against Granada in Marbella Football Center on Saturday night.
Fox Sports
15-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Last Night in Baseball: Oneil Cruz Didn't Win the Home Run Derby (But We Did)
There is always baseball happening — almost too much baseball for one person to handle themselves. That's why we're here to help, though, by sifting through the previous days' games, and figuring out what you missed, but shouldn't have. Here are all the best moments from last night's Home Run Derby. Take a bow, Cruz Sure, Oneil Cruz was not the 2025 Home Run Derby champion — that honor went to the Big Dumper himself, Cal Raleigh — but that's only because each round's winner is determined by the number of home runs hit, not how many players were left wide-eyed and staring at the longest dingers they've ever seen. The Pirates' outfielder put on an absolute show in his two rounds of the Derby. In the first round, he hit 21 homers, including one that… well, we'll get there, let's work up to that. A good thing to remember is that Oneil Cruz is responsible for the two hardest-hit balls of the StatCast era, and that the second of those — hit earlier in 2025 — was hit so obviously hard that you don't even need the "Statcast era" qualifier there. You can feel comfortable saying that it's the hardest-hit ball ever. And if you weren't before, well, after watching Cruz on Monday in the Derby, surely your comfort has grown. In the first round, Cruz hit a ball 488 feet and 113 mph off the bat. In the second round, Cruz — while facing eventual champion Raleigh — blasted one out of the stadium entirely. Enjoy Junior Caminero's look of complete disbelief at the end of this clip — considering Caminero made it to the finals himself, that says something about the shot. But both of those pale in comparison to Cruz's longest ball. A 513-foot blast that tied the Derby record for longest non-Coors Field home run . That might not sound impressive, but it's Coors: you have to adjust for it if you want your analysis to be taken seriously, you know. Really, the only reaction you should have to said adjustment is "I wonder how far Oneil Cruz would hit a Home Run Derby long ball at Coors Field?" Anyway: 513 feet. It's really far. If you'd like to watch Cruz's entire first round, MLB posted that video. Other players might have gone further in the event, but Cruz is certainly going to be the topic of conversation for years to come. How could he not be, considering? Oneil Cruz wasn't the only player to hit the ball entirely out of Truist Park, however. Nationals' slugger James Wood did so, too, fooling the camera in the process. Look up, camera, that ball was still flying further than you were giving it credit for. Robbery! Maybe all the kids running around in the outfield forgot themselves while dodging flying Oneil Cruz projectiles, but you're not supposed to rob any of these players of a home run! And yet, it happened to Caminero in the finals against Raleigh. To this kid's credit, that was a nice catch. It's just not supposed to have happened! And speaking of credit, luckily, Caminero still had another homer added to his total. The Rays' slugger was also in good humor about the grab, as he told MLB through an interpreter that, "Things happen. He was enjoying himself out there too. He did something he thought was fun and it was fine." Splash! Time to give some love to the champ. Big Dumper hit a ton of homers, of course, that's how you win the Derby in the first place, but let's give some shine to some specific shots. First up: a splash homer. More parks should have water features. And more players should then hit baseballs into those water features. Switch-dingering Cal Raleigh was the favorite — and eventual winner — in the 2025 Home Run Derby, but not just because he entered the event leading MLB in home runs. It's also because Raleigh is a switch-hitter who has more power from the left side, and Truist Park is one that favors lefty power hitters. Even though that's the case, Raleigh still decided to bat righty for part of the event. Hey, you take a lot of swings over the course of a Home Run Derby, and being able to switch it up can help alleviate some of the issues that'd otherwise arise from that. He's more than just a Big Dumper, Raleigh was a man with a plan. And a champion, at that. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Oneil Cruz Pittsburgh Pirates Major League Baseball recommended Item 1 of 3 Get more from the Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
The South African
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Mofokeng, Mayele, Ighodaro
Relebohile Mofokeng is once again attracting interest from abroad despite being deep in Orlando Pirates' pre-season camp in Spain. The 19-year-old playmaker remains one of the most sought-after talents in South African football. Although Pirates have previously resisted selling him, a substantial offer from Europe may change that. Meanwhile, forward Fiston Mayele could soon be heading out; and his likely destination isn't Soweto. Saudi Arabian and Egyptian clubs are reportedly circling the striker. To compensate for not signing Mayele, Orlando Pirates are intensifying talks with Etiosa Ighodaro. The Nigerian striker enjoyed a strong season at AmaZulu and is being seriously considered by Pirates' technical team. Kaizer Chiefs are also interested, but Pirates appear to be in pole position. The Buccaneers' camp in Marbella has already been eventful, with key tactical sessions, transfer decisions, and the reshaping of the squad ahead of the new season. With Mofokeng, Mayele, and others being linked with moves, fans are eagerly watching what comes next. 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 Herald Scotland
15-07-2025
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Home Run Derby live: Time, how to watch, odds, participants, new rules
Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh enters the Derby as the favorite, with his MLB-leading 38 home runs at the All-Star break just one short of Barry Bonds' first-half mark from 2001 - the year he went on to set the single-season home run record. Other participants at Truist Park are the Pirates' Oneil Cruz, Nationals' James Wood, Braves' Matt Olson, Athletics' Brent Rooker, Twins' Byron Buxton, Rays' Junior Caminero and Yankees' Jazz Chisholm Jr. Last year's champion was Teoscar Hernandez, who became the first Dodgers player to win the contest. Who's going to put on a show in Georgia tonight? Follow along for live updates from Truist Park: Home Run Derby time The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby begins at 8 p.m. ET from Truist Park in Atlanta. How to watch Home Run Derby TV channel : ESPN : ESPN Live stream: Fubo Who is in the Home Run Derby? (Home run totals at the All-Star break) Home Run Derby odds Odds via BetMGM as of 12 p.m. Cal Raleigh : +280 : +280 Oneil Cruz: +350 +350 James Wood : +400 : +400 Matt Olson : +900 : +900 Brent Rooker : +900 : +900 Byron Buxton : +950 : +950 Junior Caminero : +1000 : +1000 Jazz Chisholm Jr.: +1500 Home Run Derby rules, new format The 2025 Home Run Derby features three rounds: the first round, semifinals and finals. In the first round, the hitters have three minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first) to hit as many home runs as they can. Each player gets a bonus period that lasts until they take three swings that don't result in a homer. If a home run of 425 feet or longer is hit during the bonus time, the hitter gets a fourthout The four players with the highest totals advance to the semifinals - with first-round ties being broken by the player who hit the longest home run in their round. The semifinals becomes a knockout format, with players seeded Nos. 1-4 based on their first-round totals. Players have two minutes or 27 pitches in the semifinals and finals. Ties in the semifinal are broken by a 60-second "swing-off." Each batter gets one 45-second timeout - but timeouts be called during bonus periods or tiebreakers. MLB Home Run Derby winners by year
