Latest news with #SeaRobbers
The South African
a day ago
- Sport
- The South African
Five players likely to leave Orlando Pirates in the coming weeks
Orlando Pirates have enjoyed their pre-season training in Spain so far, having played two friendly matches. The Soweto giants signed nine players before heading off to Spain, but at the same time, they also offloaded six other players. With new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou assessing his squad, there may be a few players that will not be in his plans. Here are five players who could leave Orlando Pirates soon: Zakhele Lepasa The striker hasn't played an official match for the Buccaneers since the 2023/24 season. He is one of the players likely to leave the club in the coming weeks. The signing of Yanela Mbuthuma indicates that perhaps the Sea Robbers are looking to do away with Lepasa. Thabiso Lebitso Lebitso impressed the minute he wore the Bucs jersey; however, injuries have limited his gametime. With the club having signed an extra right-back, it looks less likely that the former Chippa United star will be at the club this coming season. He is not part of the Orlando Pirates squad that is currently in Spain. Olisa Ndah The experienced Nigerian defender is also not part of the pre-season squad. Ndah has struggled to recover from the injury he sustained over a year ago. With the likes of Nkhosinathi Sibisi, Mbezkezile Mbokazi, and Thabiso Sesane taking their opportunity, it's difficult to see where Ndah will fit in. Relebohile Mofokeng Mofokeng is no doubt the best Orlando Pirates player currently. The 20-year-old is linked with a move to Europe. With Mohau Njota gone, it seems very likely that Mofokeng will follow soon. Karim Kimvuidi The Congolese winger has attracted teams from North Africa in recent months. He might leave the club having features less in the 2024/25 season. 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
WOW: Orlando Pirates superstar is moving Saudi Arabia
Orlando Pirates have several valuable assets on their playing roster. One of them is moving to Saudi Arabia following a massive bid. Mohau Nkota will be playing his football in Saudi Arabia next season. Pirates have promptly secured 23-year-old Oswin Appollis to soften the blow. Pirates selling superstar trio? As per impeccable local sources, Mohau Nkota is leaving Orlando Pirates. The 20-year-old has made the right-sided attacking role his own, shining on both the local and African stages. At 20 years old, Rele Mofokeng is the jewel in the Pirates crown. There's talk that the Sea Robbers will listen to offers of R32 million for the winger. Make no mistake, Rele Mofokeng is a brilliant player, potentially the South African with the highest ceiling. What message does this send to European clubs wanting to smuggle South African talent if Mofokeng signs for a team in Spain, Italy, France or Germany and then gets sold for roughly five times that number? 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- The South African
New Orlando Pirates star takes number jersey 23
Orlando Pirates' new attack will feature Sinoxolo Kwayiba next season, a uniquely styled goal-scoring number 10 who plays very much like a number nine. After seven goals and one assist in 28 games, the 25-year-old Kwayiba has done enough to earn a move to the Sea Robbers. Meanwhile, the Gqeberha-born talent has been spotted wearing the number 23 jersey during a preseason friendly match in Spain. Kaizer Chiefs: Crisis in the wing positions? Sinoxolo Kwayiba in action for Bafana Bafana in the Cosafa Cup at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium. Image: @safanet/X Meanwhile, his former boss at Pretoria Callies, Moses Malada, has offered a sparkling review on the new Orlando Pirates attacker. According to Malada, Kwayiba epitomises discipline, a defining trait in footballers' careers in Mzansi. 'The boy (Kwayiba) is easy to guide, and it is fulfilling to see his progress, which a lot of others can learn from,' said Moses Malada via Kick Off . Orlando Pirates news: Emotional message and Venda number 10 'The top attribute about him is that he has the right attitude of an athlete. His discipline is a huge factor in all aspects of whatever he does both on and off the field, and that is important. If you keep the discipline in football, you will make it far, just like it is showing with Kwayiba, who is on the right track. He can even play overseas and that will be no surprise. 'I mention discipline about him because the boy was away from home while with us for a season, but he kept his discipline in place,' concluded Malada. 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
07-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Ouaddou backs African coaching talent as he begins new era with Orlando Pirates
New Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says he's proud to trust local expertise, backing African coaching talent and embracing the club's existing technical team as he targets a return to glory for the Sea Robbers. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Abdeslam Ouaddou is an African through and through — and he firmly believes that African-born coaches have the competencies to lead the continent's biggest football teams. Ouaddou is the new head coach of Orlando Pirates, the South African giants who famously won the country's first CAF Champions League title in 1995. As such, expectations are high for him to awaken a sleeping giant, and to deliver domestic and continental success for the first time in 13 and 31 years respectively. The 46-year-old Moroccan, who earned 68 caps for his national team during his playing career, says he is ready for the challenge. Although he was largely unknown in local coaching circles before a recent stint at Marumo Gallants, many assumed he would bring his own trusted lieutenants to Pirates. Instead, he has embraced the technical team provided by the club — Mandla Ncikazi, Rayaan Jacobs, Helmi Gueldich and Tyron Damons. Speaking to Pirates TV, Ouaddou explained his decision. 'A lot of people may be asking, 'Why did he come alone?' Of course, I have staff that I work with — maybe five or six people,' said Ouaddou. 'But I came to Marumo alone, and here as well. I deeply believe in African competencies, and in South Africa we have them. There are big universities, sports universities, and people with proper coaching qualifications. If I bring my own people, what message am I sending as an African? "That we are not competent? 'If we take the time to properly profile the right people, you can find the competencies on our continent.' Ouaddou cited successful African-born coaches Djamel Belmadi (Algeria) and Aliou Cissé (Senegal), both of whom led their nations to Africa Cup of Nations titles, as further proof of local excellence. 'Some African coaches have won the AFCON — I can tell you about Belmadi and Cissé. So I believe in competencies. It's very important,' he added. 'I'm happy to work with the people already at the club. They have a legacy, and perhaps that can help us grow quicker.' However, Ouaddou is not naïve about the challenges that lie ahead. With a relatively new technical team and squad, he knows adaptation will be key. 'I've come into a family, and a big institution. Of course, I have to integrate myself,' he said. 'I am the head coach, so I have to use the competencies here — it's very important. But I also need help. 'At the same time, it can be dangerous. I'm not crazy — sometimes it can be bumpy if people don't give you the right space to help. So, I believe in trust and respect. "As long as we have those values, we can work together. I think we have a lot of competencies at the club.'
IOL News
06-07-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Abdeslam Ouaddou ready to manage all characters at Orlando Pirates
New Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is embracing the challenge of building on past success while managing big personalities — including star signing Sipho Mbule — as the Sea Robbers set sail for league glory. Photo: Backpagepix Image: Backpagepix Abdeslam Ouaddou is made of sterner stuff. And as such, he knows the buck will stop with him in making sure the Sea Robbers sail into steady waters. Ouaddou was appointed as Orlando Pirates' new head coach last month, taking over the reins from José Riveiro, who joined Egyptian giants Al Ahly. The Moroccan-born coach arrived at the club fully aware that the job is no small task — he must pick up where Riveiro left off and address the team's shortcomings. Riveiro had an impressive tenure, leading Pirates to five trophies and three successive second-place league finishes during his three-year spell. Speaking to Pirates TV recently, Ouaddou applauded the Spaniard's achievements and insisted that the solid foundation and momentum must not go to waste. 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 The 46-year-old also outlined what he intends to bring to the team and the areas he believes need improvement for Pirates to take the next step. 'I like the philosophy of positional play, and I like to score quickly,' Ouaddou explained. 'You can see we scored a lot of goals last season, and over the years Pirates have come close to challenging the log leaders. But at the same time, we need to improve in some areas, which would help us go forward and eventually win the league.' He identified defensive transitions as a key focus. 'We need to try to work on that together as a unit. I think it's a good team, and I like it. We have to keep the legacy, the work that has already been done well. Usually, when a coach comes in, he wants to destroy everything. But we have to be clever — analyse what worked and then build on that foundation.' While Ouaddou sees no sense in fixing what isn't broken, Pirates seem ready to usher in a new era, having signed nine new players already this winter. The influx of fresh faces is sure to bring a mix of personalities — potentially a selection headache for the coaching staff and club bosses. But Ouaddou, who enjoyed a distinguished playing career that included a spell at English Premier League club Fulham, is unfazed. 'I don't want only nice boys. I want some tough boys. I'll manage them — no problem,' he said. 'I need different characters. "Coaches often want only nice boys so they don't have to manage them. But in a team, you need all types — calm people, strong people, sometimes even a few crazy guys. It's my job to bring all these personalities together and make the connections work.' Among the new signings is Sipho Mbule — one of South Africa's most talented playmakers, but a player whose career has been punctuated by disciplinary issues at former clubs SuperSport United, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Sekhukhune United.
