Latest news with #PafosFC
The South African
5 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates coach on why he gave Mbokazi the captain's armband
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has given his reason on why Mbekezeli Mbokazi was handed the captain's armband during the Buccaneers' pre-season friendly against Pafos FC on Sunday morning. With regular club captain Nkosinathi Sibisi subbed off, the player known as 'TLB' took over as captain for the first time. The 19-year-old made his debut just a few months ago but is already regarded as one of the best players in the Orlando Pirates squad. Ouaddou said the club was trying to give more resposibility to the 19-year-old. 'Mbokazi is one of the big men of this team, he's South African and he is proud of what he's doing,' Ouaddou said on SuperSport TV . 'He's someone we believe that he's a captain, and we're taking it step by step. We want to give him more game time because he will be one of the main men for us this season. 'So we're trying to give him that responsibility, and he was fantastic, he had a great match, and he needs to continue like this,' the Pirates coach said. Should Mbokazi wear the armband in an official match, he could be the youngest Orlando Pirates captain ever. 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
6 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Pirates coach earmarks teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi as 'one of the main men' for 2025/26 season
Orlando Pirates teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi has named Club Captain for the 2025/26 season. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix In an audacious move, Orlando Pirates' head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou handed young defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi the captain's armband in the second half of the team's second pre-season friendly against Cypriot champions Pafos FC on Sunday. Nkosinathi Sibisi started the match as Pirates' captain. However, after he was substituted in the second half, the 19-year-old Mbokazi captained the team despite only making his debut in the senior team a few months ago. With the surprising decision, it became clear that the Moroccan Ouaddou aims to mould Mbokazi into a future leader. Mbokazi's extraordinary performances in training and previous matches, signal a shift towards nurturing young talent within the squad. Mbokazi has shown remarkable skill and maturity on the pitch. They were the key factors in Ouaddou's decision to elevate him to this critical role. Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Pafos FC, Ouaddou lauded Mbokazi as one of the "big men" of the team. "He's South African; he's proud of what he's doing, and we're proud of him. He had a good game," he remarked. This decision to assign captaincy to the 19-year-old signals the team's direction and trust in this prodigious talent as they prepare for the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season. On their pre-season tour in Marbella, Spain, Pirates are aiming to build team cohesion and enhance their competitiveness. Mbokazi had established himself as a central figure in Pirates under former coach Jose Riveiro, making 19 appearances last season. Ouaddou indicated that giving Mbokazi the captaincy is a step towards integrating him even more deeply into the team's fabric. "We want to give him more time because he will be one of the main men for us this season," he added. The match against Pafos FC was critical in terms of applying lessons from their earlier 2-0 defeat to English club Bolton Wanderers. Despite the mixed results, Ouaddou was content with the team's evolving understanding of his tactics. "We decided to play very high to prevent this team from building. It worked, I'm happy about the plan," he noted, expressing optimism about the team's progress. Ouaddou emphasised the importance of matching their performance expectations with the reality of results. "You know sometimes as coaches, we have to analyse even when you lose the game. We cannot just react as a fan," he cautioned, underlining the introspective approach planned for the pre-season. Looking ahead, Pirates will face Spanish second-tier side Las Palmas on Thursday, a fixture that promises to challenge their growing tactical prowess. With the foundation laid by skilled young players like Mbokazi, the Pirates are set on a trajectory that holds much promise for the upcoming season.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Pirates earn encouraging draw against Champions League-bound Pafos in Spain
Relebohile Mofokeng Relebohile Mofokeng rescued Orlando Pirates from defeat against UEFA Champions League contestants Pafos FC in a friendly in Spain on Sunday. The match ended in a 1-all stalemate. South African tourists, Orlando Pirates FC, secured a 1-1 draw against Cypriot champions Pafos FC on Sunday afternoon at the Marbella Football Centre in Spain. The match formed part of their ongoing training camp as they prepare for the upcoming season. Pafos, who will compete in the Uefa Champions League this season, provided a stern test, and Pirates will draw inspiration from the outcome. New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou continued with Sipho Mbule in midfield and handed first starts of the tour to new signings Oswin Appollis and Yanele Mbuthuma. The encounter started on a sour note for the Buccaneers as Pafos capitalised on a defensive lapse when Joao Correia fired past goalkeeper Sipho Chaine just six minutes into the game. However, the Soweto giants quickly regrouped and found their equaliser in the 25th minute.
IOL News
7 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
WATCH FULL MATCH LIVE: Orlando Pirates v Pafos FC pre-season friendly
Watch Orlando Pirates face Pafos FC in a pre-season friendly live-streamed from Marbella Football Centre, Málaga, Spain, on Sunday at 11 am SA time. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media Below is the link to the live-stream. Link to be updated as soon as available. Orlando Pirates will live-stream their pre-season friendly against Pafos FC at Marbella Football Centre, in Málaga, Spain, on Sunday. Monnapule Saleng Loaned to Orbit FC: End of a Long Saga in South African Football While Pirates will want to focus on their preparations for the new season, the news that Monnapule Saleng has been loaned out to Orbit FC has stolen the headlines. It drew to a close, one of the longest-running sagas in South African football. Saleng had been out of favour at Pirates since December last year and had not featured in the side since then, apparently over a wage dispute. With no official word on the player from Pirates for months, the speculation had been rife about the future of Saleng even though he is still under contract until June next year. There had even been rumours about Saleng joining arch rivals Kaizer Chiefs, but that talk has also died down with no new developments. Now Pirates have finally broken their silence on the matter, with the confirmation that the player will spend a season away from the Soweto Giants. Full Orlando Pirates statement: 'Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm the departure of midfielder Phillip Ndlondlo. The 28-year-old is now free to sign with a club of his choice. Ndlondlo, who joined the Buccaneers in 2022, made a number of notable contributions during his time in the famous black and white. The Club extends its sincere gratitude to Phillip for his professionalism and commitment during his spell at Orlando Pirates and wishes him every success in the next chapter of his career. Meanwhile, can also confirm that an agreement has been reached with Orbit College FC for the loan of Monnapule Saleng. The 27-year-old will spend the 2025/26 season with the newly crowned outfit.' @Michael_Sherman IOL Sport
The South African
30-06-2025
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Ndah injury update, while Mofokeng garners attention
Orlando Pirates were forced to make do without centre-back Olisa Ndah for the majority of last season following a tibia fracture that had him ruled out since September. The Nigerian international is expected to be ready for the start of the 2025/26 campaign – however, it remains uncertain as to whether he will be fit for next month's pre-season tour in Spain, where the Buccaneers will face Bolton Wanderers, Pafos FC, Las Palmas, and Granada. Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates are presumably feeling inundated by Relebohile Mofokeng inquiries after MLS side FC Cincinnati were the latest to show interest. Egyptian giants Zamalek FC and Ah Ahly are also in the conversation. Mofokeng's father, Sechaba, who believes now is the time to head to Europe, is another reason why the Buccaneers will be somewhat expecting the worst this offseason. 'My biggest wish is to see Rele overseas in 2025/2026. I'm praying every day. I don't want to see him in the Betway Premiership again this season. I know God will answer my prayers,' Sechaba said '[Whether it's in] Spain, England, Netherlands, France, Denmark, Switzerland — Rele can play. I believe that with all my heart. Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country. I'll be happy — but not Saudi Arabia,' he added. 'Not yet. He's still young. He needs to compete in UEFA competitions. If he goes to Saudi now, he won't experience that. Yes, he'd be rich — but happiness is more important. You can have all the money in the world, but if you're not happy, it's worthless.' Orlando Pirates players Mohau Nkota, Relebohile Mofokeng and Deon Hotto. Image: Goal 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.
