Latest news with #PolokwaneCity
The Citizen
24 minutes ago
- Sport
- The Citizen
Orlando Pirates appoint new captain ahead of 2025/26 season
Pirates kick off the 2025/26 season on Saturday with an MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City. Orlando Pirates have confirmed the appointment of the club's new captain and vice-captains ahead of the start of the 2025/26 season. Nkosinathi Sibisi has been named as the Buccaneers' new skipper, taking over from Innocent Maela, who retired at the end of last season. ALSO READ: Ndah declares he's ready for Pirates' return after injury layoff 'Bhodlela', as Sibisi is affectionately known in football circles, will be assisted by Thapelo Xoki and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who have been named as vice-captains. 'The position of captain has been vacant since the departure of long-serving defender Innocent Maela. Maela has led from 2022 to date, having taken over from another stalwart and legend, Happy Jele,' read a statement from Pirates. 'In keeping with club tradition, the appointment came directly from the players themselves through a confidential voting process. 'Emerging as the team's clear choice to wear the captain's armband is defender Nkosinathi Sibisi.' Speaking on his new captaincy announcement, Sibisi said: 'It is truly an honour and privilege to be named captain of this great institution. It's a responsibility that I accept and promise to fulfil the role in the best way I possibly can.' ALSO READ: Ndamane set for Galaxy exit amid Sundowns and Pirates interest Sibisi captained the Buccaneers for most of the previous campaign as Olisa Ndah and Tapelo Xoki were injured, while Maela spent more time on the bench. Pirates kick off the 2025/26 season on Saturday with an MTN8 quarterfinal clash against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium.
IOL News
a day ago
- Sport
- IOL News
Appollis faces former club as Buccaneers begin MTN8 title defence
Oswin Appollis could debut for Pirates against his old club Polokwane City in Saturday's MTN8 clash. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Oswin Appollis could well make his official debut for Orlando Pirates against his former club Polokwane City this weekend. The two clubs clash in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon, with the Buccaneers as defending champions and aiming to win the competition for a record-extending fourth season in a row. A marquee signing for the Buccaneers during the off-season, the Bafana Bafana winger is expected to play a key role as Pirates aim to end their lengthy league title drought by toppling the dominant Mamelodi Sundowns. First, though, he must prove his worth in the famous black and white colours by helping the Soweto giants retain the season-opening trophy. BTS from our 2025/26 Home & Away Kit shoot 📸 📍 Available now at the Orlando Stadium 💻 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 ☠️ ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 29, 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. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading That his former club provides the first hurdle is sure to test Appollis' sentiments towards City. This, after all, is a club he served diligently and with distinction over several years, only for them to block a big-money move abroad when a club from North Africa showed strong interest. Locally, both Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs were eager to sign him, with the latter pursuing him for two successive seasons. At one point, the Capetonian was even frozen out of matches — a move widely condemned across the local football fraternity, which viewed club boss Johnny Mogaladi as being unfair in denying the player a deserved opportunity on a bigger stage. Eventually, City relented — but not to Chiefs. Instead, Appollis signed for their fierce rivals, Pirates. The winger has looked every bit the Buccaneer during pre-season in Spain and is expected to form a dynamic combination with starlet Relebohile Mofokeng. BTS from our 2025/26 Home & Away Kit shoot 📸 📍 Available now at the Orlando Stadium 💻 𝐈𝐭'𝐬 𝐈𝐧 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐁𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 ☠️ ⚫⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways — Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) July 29, 2025 Will that partnership be on show this weekend? And how will Appollis feel about facing his former teammates and the club that gave him his professional breakthrough, after his initial stint at SuperSport United failed to launch? Footballers worldwide often show what is called "respect" by refraining from celebrating against their former clubs. We saw this last season when Vincent Pule scored for SuperSport United against Pirates but opted not to celebrate, even as his teammates erupted with joy. Appollis, by nature, is a fairly reserved character who doesn't go overboard when he scores. Having already expressed gratitude to City for the opportunity they gave him to shine and earn national team honours, it's highly likely that any celebration from him — should he score — will be muted. That said, do not expect him to hold back or show sympathy towards his former side. He is a Buccaneer now — a consummate professional who will give everything to ensure the defending champions move on to the next stage. Given his status as the club's marquee signing, he is duty-bound to produce a performance of the highest standard. The Ghost are expectant, and he cannot afford to disappoint, lest they start to feel he was money wasted. A standout display — and perhaps a small nod to the skull-and-crossbones insignia if he scores — will go a long way in winning over the Orlando Stadium faithful. It could mark the beginning of a memorable chapter at a club renowned for turning talented players into both club and national icons. Appollis has the potential to become one such player. The fact that he became a national hero while playing for modest Polokwane City speaks volumes. Now he has an even grander platform. nd what better way to announce himself than with a starring role against his former club on debut for his new one?
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates star needs six more goals to make history
Orlando Pirates' Tshegofatso Mabasa is facing a defining season for his legacy at the Betway Premiership giants. The 28-year-old striker from Botshabelo, Free State, is just six goals away from equalling Benedict Vilakazi's record as Orlando Pirates' all-time leading goal-scorer. In the meantime, Vilakazi has sent an encouraging message to the Orlando Pirates striker ahead of this weekend's season opener against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium. TSHEGOFATSO MABASA TO MAKE ORLANDO PIRATES HISTORY? According to the books, Mabasa has scored 46 goals since joining the Sea Robbers from Bloemfontein Celtic in 2019. Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa in action against Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership. Image: Goal More: Orlando Pirates news The club's all-time goal-scoring record holder, Vilakazi, affectionately known as 'Tso,' scored 52 goals as an Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder before his departure to join Aalborg in Denmark in 2007. 1. Benedict Vilakazi – 58 2. Tshegofatso Mabasa – 46 3. Lesley Manyathela – 41 4. Phumlani Mkhize – 41 5. Denis Lota – 39 6. Andries Sebola – 38 7. Sibusiso Zuma – 37 8. Steve Lekoelea – 36 9. Thembinkosi Lorch – 34 10. Kermit Erasmus – 34. 'Boy, don't give up, continue to work hard,' Vilakazi said in a message to Mabasa as quoted by Kick Off . 'Yes, I've seen in some pre-season games that you were not that featured like other strikers. Benedict Vilakazi represents Orlando Pirates against Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League. Image: BackPagePix 'But don't give up. You know what I'm talking about. You know you went to Swallows because you didn't get game time but you did very well and came back and continued where you left off. 'For me it shows character. You can't keep a good man down. Boy they can bring 20 other strikers, I'm telling you from my heart, but I don't think they will close you down and make you not to be seen. 'You're once special player that knows the poles. So far in my eyes, at Pirates, you're the only striker where even when I'm sleeping and you say, 'Who do you want to put in as a striker?', it's always going to be you,' the Soweto-born legend concluded. OPENING BETWAY PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES: 9 August: Sekhukhune United (Home) 12 August: Marumo Gallants (Away) 20 August: Stellenbosch FC (Home) 26 August: Orbit College FC (Home) 31 August: Chippa United (Away). 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
All the kick off times for start of new football season
The wait is nearly over as the local football season gets set to kick off this weekend with the traditional 'league curtain raiser' of the MTN8 quarter-finals. A week later, the Betway Premiership will begin, and so there is plenty for local football fans to look forward to as an action-packed season gets into full swing once again. Orlando Pirates last year became the first club to win the top eight title three years in a row, and the Buccaneers are now set to kick off their title defence against Polokwane City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, 2 August, at 15:00. Later on Saturday, Sekhukhune United will take on TS Galaxy at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane (kick off at 18:00). Th two other MTN8 quarter-finals will played on Sunday, 3 August, as last year's runners-up Stellenbosch host AmaZulu at the Cape Town Stadium (15:00) before Mamelodi Sundowns take on Richards Bay (18:00). Saturday, 2 August Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City (15:00) Sekhukhune United v TS Galaxy (18:00) Sunday, 3 August Stellenbosch v AmaZulu (15:00) Mamelodi Sundowns v Richards Bay (18:00) Next weekend, the new Betway Premiership campaign will get under way as Mamelodi Sundowns aim to defend their title for a ninth season in a row. Opening Weekend Saturday, 9 August Chippa United v Mamelodi Sundowns AmaZulu FC v Orbit College Polokwane City v Magesi Richards Bay v Marumo Gallants Orlando Pirates v Sekhukhune United Siwelele FC v Golden Arrows Sunday, 10 August TS Galaxy v Durban City Stellenbosch FC v Kaizer Chiefs 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
2 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
Orlando Pirates v Polokwane City: Date, Kick-Off Time, MTN8, Predicted XI
Orlando Pirates will defend their MTN8 title against Polokwane City this coming weekend. The Buccaneers spent two weeks in Spain for pre-season, where they played several teams, including Las Palmas and Granada. With 11 new signings, all eyes will be on Abdeslam Ouaddou as he will be on the touchline officially for the first time as Orlando Pirates coach. The Sea Robbers finished second in the Betway Premiership behind Mamelodi Sundowns and only had MTN8 trophy to show at the end of the season. In the past five editions, the Buccaneers have won it four times and are closing in on Kaizer Chiefs' record. No team has ever won the competition four times in a row, but Pirates are favourites to do the unthinkable. The match will be played on Saturday (2 August) at the Orlando Stadium. Kick-off is set for 15:00. This will be the first PSL match of the 2025/26 season, with the Betway Premiership kicking off a week later. Here's how Orlando Pirates can lineup for the MTN8 clash; Sipho Chaine (GK) Deano van Rooyen (RB) Nkosinathi Sibisi (CB) Mbekezile Mbokazi (CB) Deon Hotoo (LB) Makhehlene Makhaula (DM) Sipho Mbule (CM) Sinoxolo Kwayiba (AM) Oswin Appollis (LW) Relebohile Mofokeng (RW) Tshegofatso Mabasa (ST) Orlando Pirates have not lost an MTN8 match since going down to Stellenbosch at the Orlando Stadium in 2023 but they still won the tie on aggregate. 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.
