Latest news with #Pirates'
IOL News
3 days ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Mabasa aims for goal improvement as Orlando Pirates prepare for new season
Tshegofatso Mabasa is ready to embrace the demands of the new season, relying on the strong sense of brotherhood within the Orlando Pirates squad to achieve success. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix The passage of time has taught Tshegofatso Mabasa to embrace pressure and brotherhood, so that's why he's focused on helping Orlando Pirates do well next season. Mabasa scored fifteen goals in 48 games last season, and that was an average return after he netted nineteen goals in 33 matches the season before. So, as the new season beckons, Mabasa will be eager to improve his numbers upfront by contributing to as many goals as he possibly can for the team. However, the 28-year-old admits that he's not fazed by the responsibility as it's part and parcel of the job. 'The older I get, the less worried I am about pressure,' the striker said during the premiere of Pirates' docu-series Giants, last week. 'You can't perform well without pressure.' Just 2 days to go until Giants hit your screens ☠️ 📆 Sunday, 27 July 📺 21:00 on SuperSport & Mzansi Magic ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways#giantsondstv — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 25, 2025 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. 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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 ✕ Being able to handle pressure hasn't come naturally for Mabasa. He has to feed off the support of his teammates and technical team as well. As such, when he went through a rough patch last season, resulting in him losing his place in the starting berth, it was his replacement, Evidence Makgopa, who offered him more support. So, that's why Mabasa doesn't look at the rest of the strikers at Pirates as his direct competitors, but rather as brothers. 'One thing about us is that there's healthy competition. You can actually see when we are doing finishing drills after training, the amount of support and love we share (is there),' he said. 'Take Evidence, for example, he's one person that knows almost everything that I've to deal with last season. Yet that time he was playing ahead of me. 'He supported me, and was there to try and lift me up. He'll be the first one to areye ngwana (let's go, kid). So, that's the sort of thing. I'd do the same thing for him as well. 'So that shows the relationship we have in the team. I think when 'Radio' (Boitumelo Radiopane) scored his first goal, a penalty, everyone ran to him, including myself.' The camaraderie within the Pirates teams runs in the entire group as the new players have quickly fitted in like a glove as well, following an exclusive tour of Spain. 'I think the trip to Spain gave us a chance to integrate them, and maybe away from all the noise in the country at that time,' said Mabasa of the adaptation of the new players. 'For us to be away, and be given that opportunity, I think it worked well because you can see how they performed even in the friendly games. 'Look at (Sipho) Mbule and (Oswin) Appollis' performances in the friendlies. It's just now for them to come back home, and do it here. We believe in them and they have our support.' Mabasa and Co have new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who has to support them and be supported as well. Ouaddou's job is cut out for him as he has to make the team tick on the field, following the arrival of eleven new players, while getting results as well. The Moroccan-born coach replaces Jose Riveiro who won five trophies and bagged three successive runners-up spots in the league during his three-year reign. Mabasa, though, believes that the former Fulham defender will succeed at the club as he hasn't done much to change the foundation that has been built by his predecessor. 'I have noticed that he's a demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' said Mabasa of his impression about Ouaddou. 'He's encouraging, and quite similar to coach Riveiro. There's not a lot that coach Ouaddou is trying to change – it's probably about defending set-pieces and dealing with transition. 'He's just trying to improve on the areas that we lacked last season, and we feel that's mostly from set-pieces, especially looking at the game we lost against Pyramids.' The camaraderie within the Pirates team runs in the entire group as the new players have quickly fitted in like a glove as well, following an exclusive tour of Spain. 'I think the trip to Spain gave us a chance to integrate them, and maybe away from all the noise in the country at that time,' said Mabsa of the adaptation of the new players. 'For us to be away, and be given that opportunity, I think it worked well because you can see how they performed even in the friendly games. 'Look at (Sipho) Mbule and (Osowin) Appollis' performances in the friendlies. It's just now for them to come back home, and do it here. We believe in them and they have our support.' Mabasa and Co have new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou who has to support them and be supported as well. Ouaddou's job is cut out for him as he has to make the team tick on the field, following the arrival of 11 new players, while getting results as well. The Moroccan born coach replaces Jose Riveiro who won five trophies and bagged three successive runners-up spots in the league during his three year reign. Mabasa, though, believes that the former Fulham defender will succeed at the club as he hasn't done much to change the foundation that has been built by his predecessor. 'I have noticed that he's a demanding coach, but he loves his players at the same time,' said Mabasa of his impression about Ouaddou. 'He's encouraging, and quite similar to coach Riveiro. There's not a lot that coach Ouaddou is trying to change - it's probably about defending setpieces and dealing with transition. 'He's just trying to improve on the areas that we lacked last season, and we feel that's mostly from set-pieces, especially looking at the game we lost against Pyramids.'
The South African
5 days ago
- Automotive
- The South African
Orlando Pirates news: Commercial win and transfer setback
Orlando Pirates' emphatic offseason just got better. Suzuki, the Japanese car manufacturer, has officially partnered with the Soweto giants as their new vehicle sponsor. 'A new chapter starts here,' Suzuki announced. 'From the streets to the stadium, we move as one.' This agreement strengthens Pirates' already formidable sponsor portfolio, which includes big names like Adidas, Aquelle, Vodacom and Carling Black Label. While the Suzuki announcement is a commercial boost, one of Pirates' long-standing targets, Fawaaz Basadien, appears set for a move to Mamelodi Sundowns. After missing training yesterday, speculation has intensified around his potential exit. In addition, concerns continue around the future of one of the club's brightest young prospects, Relebohile Mofokeng. With several foreign clubs circling, his father, Sechaba, has made no secret of his desire to see him leave the local league for Europe. 'I know God will answer my prayers,' he said. 'Take him to Barcelona? He can play. PSG? He can play. Any country — but not Saudi Arabia. Not yet.' 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 Citizen
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Primo Baloyi on Pirates' new doccie: ‘It makes the sport that much better when you know what's behind the scenes'
Primo Baloyi spoke to The Citizen at the launch of the Pirates five-part documentary 'Giants' which hit the screens on Sunday. Sports documentaries have grown in popularity in recent times, and this is because they combine two things that are loved, sport and storytelling. 'It makes the sport that much better to watch when you know what goes on behind the scenes,' content creator Primo tells The Citizen. The lanky creator, who is also the son of former Bafana Bafana Captain Lucas Radebe, spoke to The Citizen on Thursday evening at the launch of Orlando Pirates' five-part doccie, Giants, which tells the story of Pirates' journey in the last season. 'The Europeans have been showing it with all these documentaries they've been doing, even the Americans in Basketball and all these doccies. A lot of people see sports from the outside,' said Primo. He said that though sport is masculine, through storytelling, it opens itself up to the whole family. 'So now sport is becoming much more of a family thing. Even Formula 1 is becoming a family thing. A lot of girls and women are getting into Formula 1, golf; there are a lot of sports that are gaining recognition because we realise that there's a lot behind the sports, behind the players and the game. A lot goes into these master performances.' ALSO READ: Tyla named among Variety's 2025 Power of Young Hollywood honourees Pirates doccie The first episode of Giants will be screened on all MultiChoice platforms this coming Sunday. A handful of media and some of the Pirates team were in attendance at the launch that was held in Orlando Stadium, the Pirates' home ground. The five-part doccie follows the players, their families, and zooms in on what inspires and drives them on the field of play. 'I'm excited to see what's gonna happen from now on. There's a lot we didn't see, it's like we're excited to still see Rele (Mofokeng) and a little bit more of Tito (Patrick Maswanganyi). There's still a lot we need to uncover, but this was the beginning,' said Primo after watching the first episode. Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa and midfielder Talent Mbatha are the focus of the first episode. The doccie shows how much their mothers have been anchors for them, supporting them throughout their careers. 'The common thing with all of us, our moms had to be patient for us to be where we are, so it's really good to see that. It was dope,' shared Primo. ALSO READ: Former 'Isidingo' actress on how Sri Lanka beats a similar drum to Africa Travelling with Pirates The content creator has just returned to Mzansi after travelling with the Pirates team to Spain, where they underwent their pre-season training, which also included some matches against European opposition. 'We had so much fun, it was insane. It was a dream holiday mixed with a dream pre-season engagement. I trained with the guys.' Sportscaster Thomas Mlambo, former Pirates player and now content creator Michael Morton were also part of the trip. Primo played football growing up and said he played with half of the Pirates team in the juniors when he was still playing. 'So it was very easy to kind of click with them. We've got such a really dope bond with the guys, and we went to the guys, I mean, we were the only supporters.' 'We left with them, we could chill with them, and we had time with the coach to speak about things. And it was my birthday on the 11th,' he says. On his birthday, Pirates took on English side Bolton Wanderers. 'It was insane, like my life was made on that trip.' Primo has been collaborating with one of the main sponsors of the doccie, Vodacom, for the past few years and through that relationship, he travelled with the Pirates team to their pre-season training in Spain. He is also one of Pirates' ambassadors. 'In the last two years, I've been working hard to keep this relationship and establish myself as a brand, alongside a giant brand.' 'They believed in how I was tackling this marketing message of showing my passion for being a Buccaneer. I made a gimmick about holding the crossbones up before the game, and that ritual caught fire, so Vodacom really liked that and kept me alongside Pirates until the trip.' 'A lot of people didn't know that I played football, and now that I can combine my content creation with my knowledge of football to be a sports caster, basically.' NOW READ: How Lebo M's former ballroom dance mate became the author of his 'Nants'Ingonyama' autobiography
The South African
22-07-2025
- 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
18-07-2025
- 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.
