Latest news with #OrlandoPirates
The South African
3 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates transfer news: 7 new players, Ouaddou, Tito
Orlando Pirates new coach Abdesalm Ouaddou will get a chance to assess his squad this coming week as the team starts their pre-season training. The Buccaneers had a disappointing 2024/25 season, finishing second and winning just the MTN8 trophy. Under Jose Riveiro, the Sea Robbers claimed five trophies in three seasons, making them the new 'cup kings of South African football'. With Riveiro gone and Ouaddou taking over, Orlando Pirates are looking for an improvement next season. Marumo Gallants defender Vusi Sibisi described the Moroccan coach as someone who doesn't show favouritism to his players. 'Coach Abdee is a good coach;. All I can say to Pirates is that he demands hard work from his players,' he told SNL24. 'As long as you put in the effort, you'll get a chance to play in his team. He doesn't show favouritism, and he selects players purely on merit. 'If you perform in training, you will play. It's as simple as that, regardless of your age.' 'Whether you're a youngster or an experienced player, performance is what earns you a spot. 'He's a man of principles who values a high work rate, and when it's time to work, there's no room for messing around. With that coach, if you're not giving your best, you're only hurting yourself, because you won't play,' he concluded. Earlier this week, Orlando Pirates announced the signing of seven new players. More players are Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Tsepo Mashiloane and Sihle Nduli. The likes of Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi will need to pull up their socks. Tito has had a very underwhelming season as compared to his debut campaign with the Buccaneers. 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.
IOL News
4 hours ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Marc van Heerden discusses the decline of white players in South African soccer
Where are the white players? Sekhukhune United assistant coach Marc van Heerden, who used to play for clubs like Cape Town City, AmaZulu and Orlando Pirates, has addressed the lack of white players in South African football. Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Image: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix Former Cape Town City left back Marc van Heerden has given his thoughts on the lack of white footballers in South Africa's top flight. Van Heerden, who retired at the end of the 2023/24 season, played at the highest level for almost two decades, turning out for clubs like AmaZulu, Orlando Pirates, Stellenbosch FC, as well as the Citizens. On the international stage, he won five caps for Bafana Bafana between 2013 and 2015. Speaking to Robert Marawa on MSW on Friday night, van Heerden said it was difficult to pinpoint why there were so few white players in the modern PSL. 'There was Mike Morton, there was Brad (Grobler). You had Jeremy Brockie. There's definitely talent across all races in our country. I just don't think they understand that they have the opportunity. Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel. 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 ✕ 'A lot of them that do have the talent give up. I knew plenty of players growing up that just gave up too easily. 'When I was at SuperSport's academy in the beginning stages, we had white, coloured and black players. I think it's a mentality thing, even at that age,' said the 37-year-old, who is now Eric Tinkler's assistant coach at Sekhukhune United. According to van Heerden, young white players had to ask themselves some questions before deciding to carry on. 'Do I really want to become a professional football player? Am I willing to work as hard as I possibly can to become that? Do I love the game that much to be that?' The debate on the low numbers of white players in the PSL has been going on for a while. Addressing the issue last year, former Bafana defender Matthew Booth said it was a class issue. 'It's middle-class and upper-class kids who perhaps are finding training a little bit difficult, or they have to go to areas where they feel unsafe, or the referee does not turn up, or the league is badly organised. And then the middle class and upper class say, 'Mom, Dad, I am going to focus on my studies or I am going to sit at home and play Xbox,'' Booth said last year. Speaking on the issue on his account on X last year, former Pirates star Morton attributed the lack of white footballers in South Africa to young players choosing rugby, cricket and other sports once they reach high school. 'I think I may be qualified to enter this conversation,' Morton said in a video posted on X. 'I don't think the problem is as guys get to 18 or 19 years old. Those players, once they've reached that point, they're going to the next level. . 'It's middle-class and upper-class kids who perhaps are finding training a little bit difficult, or they have to go to areas where they feel unsafe, or the referee does not turn up, or the league is badly organised. And then the middle class and upper class say, 'Mom, Dad, I am going to focus on my studies or I am going to sit at home and play Xbox,'' Booth said last year. Speaking on the issue on his account on X last year, former Pirates star Morton attributed the lack of white footballers in South Africa to young players choosing rugby, cricket and other sports once they reach high school. 'I think I may be qualified to enter this conversation,' Morton said in a video posted on X. 'I don't think the problem is as guys get to 18 or 19 years old. Those players, once they've reached that point, they're going to the next level. Why are we not producing more white footballers in South Africa? — Michael Morton (@MMORTON6) April 26, 2024 'It's more so at 13 and 14 where they make the jump to high school. The old traditional 'Model C' white schools don't take football very seriously, and I think we lose a lot of very talented footballers in that jump where they have to choose between cricket, rugby and a whole bunch of other sports, and football is not really taken that seriously.' He added: 'Community-run clubs are also struggling financially, and the level is not that great. I think we are losing a lot of talented footballers in that period. 'That's my personal experience. I've played with a lot of talented guys that, when they jumped to high school, didn't carry on playing football.' Three years ago, Jesse Donn – who retired at 25 at the beginning of the year after playing for SuperSport United – echoed a similar sentiment. "I think it's a very controversial subject, of course, but I just think a lot of white players tend to swerve more towards rugby or cricket, and I know this because that's what happened to some of my friends." IOL Sport
The South African
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Sipho Mbule and a special meeting
Sipho Mbule, a popular midfield maestro in Mzansi football, has joined Orlando Pirates for next season's Betway Premiership term. As a measure to manage Mbule's reported ill-discipline towards alcohol, Sundowns loaned the 27-year-old to Sekhukhune United before the start of last season. Three months before the end of his loan spell, Sekhukhune released the Bethlehem-born star for continued unprofessional behaviour. Sundowns decided against keeping the elegant midfielder. Soon, his agent, Mike Makaab, offered Mbule to Kaizer Chiefs but with no success. In came Orlando Pirates with the surprising announcement of the player known as 'Master Chef.' Orlando Pirates news: Biokineticist and Pogiso Makhoye Sipho Mbule during his loan spell at Sekhukhune United from Mamelodi Sundowns. Image: Sowetan According to the Bucs legend, Mbule should simply take full responsibility for his career. 'At 26 or 27, we shouldn't be assigning anyone to look after you. You are an established player, you're an adult,' Mabalane told Soccer Laduma . 'He's not a youngster that just came onto the scene. How much does he want it? He must look after himself…Full story here. Orlando Pirates: Special meeting for eight new players Orlando Pirates, a Leading Betway Premiership club, sealed eight new signings this week. The list includes Sipho Mbule, Yanela Mbuthuma, Masindi Nemtajela, Tshepang Moremi, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Sinoxolo Kwayiba, Tshepo Mashiloane, and Sihle Nduli. Meanwhile, the club facilitated a special meeting for the new Orlando Pirates footballers. Former club leaders Tebogo Moloi, Lucky Lekgwathi, Happy Jele, Edward Motale, and Innocent Maela made themselves available to address the newbies on what to expect at the mighty Orlando Pirates. 'We were inducting our new players to give them a proper understanding of what to expect,' club legend Moloi told KickOff . 'We emphasised that their lives, as well as those of their immediate family members, changed the moment they signed with the club… Full story here. 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
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates latest signing puts Angolan star's future in doubt
Orlando Pirates have edged closer to announcing their ninth signing ahead of the 2025/2026 campaign, and it's a name that's already turning heads. Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko has touched down in Johannesburg, ready to join the squad's pre-season preparations. At just 23 years old, Mariko has already made a name for himself on the African football stage, with impressive performances for Djoliba AC in the CAF Champions League. His imminent arrival has not only excited fans but also raised eyebrows over what it means for Gilberto, the Angolan international who returned to Petro de Luanda on loan in January. According to a source, Pirates moved swiftly to fend off interest from rival clubs across the continent to land the highly rated central midfielder. 'The new guy is already in the country, and his announcement is imminent. He's expected to be part of the squad heading to Spain for pre-season,' confirmed a source. Mariko's inclusion in the travelling party heading to Spain next month. The fact that Pirates will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos, Las Palmas, and Granada all but confirms that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou plans to include him in his setup. Gilberto joined Pirates last July but couldn't secure a regular starting spot, so the club sent him back on loan. His spot now looks increasingly under threat. 'It's not looking good for Gilberto. From what we understand, he could be one of the players placed on the release list,' revealed the source. 'He'll likely either move on permanently or go out on loan again. That's exactly why the club targeted Mariko, to potentially replace him in the available foreign slots.' The Soweto giants have already confirmed eight new arrivals this week. The likelihood of Gilberto remaining at the club appears slim. What will happen to Gilberto at Orlando Pirates? 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
5 hours ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Biokineticist and Pogiso Makhoye
Orlando Pirates' medical team has a new face. The Betway Premiership runners-up have hired a new biokineticist, Dylan Cox, from Sekhukhune United. The club known as the Sea Robbers finally announced Abdeslam Ouaddou as the head coach to replace the legendary Jose Riveiro, who has joined Al Ahly. To take care of players' injury prevention, treatment and physical health, the club head-hunted Cox from Babina Noko. Orlando Pirates: Special meeting for eight new players Dylan Cox with matchday duty at Sekhukhune United. Image: Orlando Pirates news dylan_cox/Instagram 'Orlando Pirates have continued to boost their technical team with the addition of Sekhukhune United biokineticist Dylan Cox,' iDiski Times ' Sinethemba Makonco reported… Full story here. Jessica Motaung talks about Kaizer Chiefs money The 2024/25 Betway Premiership runners-up have received an urgent plea from the newly promoted Orbit College FC. Two of Orbit's most influential players, Siyabulela Mabele and Gomolemo Khoto, are on loan from the Buccaneers and are thus expected to return to Orlando Pirates for preseason. The duo's coach, Pogiso Makhoye, has asked to retain the two players as Orbit make their debut in the Betway Premiership next term…Full story here. 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.
