Latest news with #Sesane
The South African
21-07-2025
- Sport
- The South African
'Release the captain': Orlando Pirates fans unhappy with Xoki's contract extension
Some Orlando Pirates supporters are unhappy about the club's decision to trigger a one-year extension in Tapelo Xoki's contract. The 30-year-old defender has served as a regular captain for the team since joining the Buccaneers in 2022 from AmaZulu. While he had two strong seasons initially, some fans believe that injuries and limited playing time impacted Xoki's performance last season. With Xoki and Olisah Ndah sidelined for much of the past season, Orlando Pirates had to rely on Nkosinathi Sibisi and two inexperienced defenders, Mbekezile Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane. Although Sesane was injured in February, his replacement, Mbokazi, performed impressively and even earned a cap for Bafana Bafana at just 19 years old. Towards the end of the season, Xoki was called back into action but struggled in crucial matches. In the CAF Champions League semi-final, the 30-year-old was held responsible for Pirates' loss to Pyramids in the second leg. In June, it was reported that the former AmaZulu captain would extend his stay with Orlando Pirates, a decision that did not sit well with some fans. @Moshukudumash wrote: 'No , this guy is the biggest threat at our center back , he is easily bullied by psl strikers.' @MduPG wrote: 'Release the Captain & get a faster Defensive player. He can't run with Du Preez on attacks, or chase after Riberio. @Oppenheimer702 wrote: 'It a bad call when you have Sibisi, Mbokazi, Ndah and Sesane. He is currently the worst center back we have!' Orlando Pirates kick off their season in two weeks against Polokwane City in the MTN8. 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
16-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates rumours: Mixed news on Sesane, Saleng
Today's Orlando Pirates rumours involve a timeframe for Thabiso Sesane's return and further speculation on Monnapule Saleng. Saleng hasn't played a competitive game for Pirates in 2025. Meanwhile, Sesane is returning from a serious injury that required surgery. Saleng started this campaign well with five goals in 13 outings, including a strike in the MTN8 final, but the second half of 2024-2025 has been a horror show for the player. He hasn't played a single competitive minute since the turn of the year. Ironically, his last minutes in a Pirates jersey came in a Caf Champions League group stage match against Al Ahly in early December, the club that tried to sign him. He's been away with a Bafana Bafana CHAN qualifier side for a two-legged battle with Egypt. After starting the first leg, which ended 1-1, Saleng was released from the squad and has returned to Pirates. The writing is on the wall for his Pirates career. THREE potential replacements for Saleng at Orlando Pirates Will the Chiefs slayer return? Image: @orlandopirates / X Thabiso Sesane started the campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. What did Mabasa and Makgopa do to offend Hugo Broos? Is Sesane crucial for Orlando Pirates' title chances next season? 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
14-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates' most important player is returning
Orlando Pirates might have felt downcast after how 2024-2025 ended. However, there are new reasons to be optimistic. Thabiso Sesane is aiming to be fit for the new season. The Pirates board are also proactively looking at ways to improve the squad in the market. Thabiso Sesane started the 2024-2025 campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. His quiet authority and ability to marshal the back four are priceless. Rulani drops cryptic comments amid Pirates links According to FARPost , Paseka Mako has joined Kaizer Chiefs until 2028 after signing a three-year deal. 'The diminutive wingback has agreed to a three-year deal with Kaizer Chiefs, effective July 1.' Like a shortfin Mako shark, Paseka is quick, snappy, compact and aggressive. Mako made 26 appearances in the 2024-2025 season. 2020-2021 was arguably his finest campaign, with four assists in 20 league outings. Meanwhile, 34-year-old Deon Hotto faces an uncertain long-term future. Thabiso Monyane, meanwhile, is also on the brink of a move to Chiefs after 13 years with Orlando Pirates. 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
13-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Fitness update on Orlando Pirates star Thabiso Sesane
Orlando Pirates fans will be counting the days until outstanding defender Thabiso Sesane returns to action for the Sea Robbers. 25-year-old Sesane picked up a serious injury in February, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign. 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi's sudden emergence mitigated some of the disappointment. Thabiso Sesane started the campaign in domineering form, becoming a pillar in the heart of their defence. It was, therefore, a massive blow to the club and player when he was cruelly struck down with a serious tendon injury in February. The rupture was deemed bad enough for the 25-year-old to undergo surgery. Full recovery could take anywhere between four and six months. If Sesane's rehabilitation goes well, he could be back in time for the start of the 2025-2026 season. Rulani Mokwena has ruled himself out of the running for the Zamalek job after hearing Pitso Mosimane was also a candidate. Meanwhile, the 38-year-old continues to be linked with the vacant Orlando Pirates job. Click for the story How much did Pirates miss Sesane at the back end of the 2024-2025 season? 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
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates new captain decided?
The winds of change are blowing through Orlando Pirates. The Sea Robbers will soon have a new man at the helm and a new player wearing the captain's armband. Innocent Maela has been released. Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thalente Mbatha and Thabiso Sesane are all candidates to take over the captaincy. Who leads the charge? Nkosinathi Sibisi seems to be the leading candidate to take over the Pirates captaincy. The 29-year-old recently skippered Bafana Bafana in a friendly and is highly thought of within the camp. Whether or not he's a regular in the side when Thabiso Sesane returns is another matter. Sesane has sat out several months after undergoing surgery on a damaged tendon. When the 25-year-old is back to full fitness, he'll undoubtedly go back into the side. Sesane was outstanding in the centre of defence at the outset of last season, quietly marshalling the back four and leading by example. Gifted teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi has earned his spot on the left side of that pairing. Could Sesane also get the armband? Another contender is all-action midfielder Thalente Mbatha. Dream Pirates XI Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thalente Mbatha, Kabelo Dlamini, and Makhehleni Makhaula. Image: @safootclassics/X Chaine; Van Rooyen, Sesane, Mbokazi, Hotto; Mbatha, Nemtajela; Nkota, Maswanganyi, Mofokeng; Mabasa. The Pirates squad is blessed with players at the sharp end and in both central defence and midfield. However, they lack depth in the full-back areas. Thabiso Monyane and Paseka Mako have been released, while they've secured the signing of versatile Baroka star Tshepho Mashiloane. He should challenge both Deano van Rooyen and Deon Hotto for a place. 'Orlando Pirates are emptying the recycling bin now' Who should be the next Pirates skipper? 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.
