When are Orlando Pirates playing next? FIVE fixtures
Diarize these.
Orlando Pirates are flying high in all competitions. Here’s what’s in the immediate future for Jose Riveiro’s Buccaneers.
Orlando Pirates’ next five fixtures
The Buccaneers travel to Cape Town next week to take on Cape Town City. That’s the first of five tasty clashes on the horizon. A blockbuster clash with Al Ahly and Percy Tau also stand out like a sore thumb.
- Cape Town City vs Pirates: 08 January, 19:30
- Pirates vs Belouizdad: 12 January, 15:00
- Al Ahly vs Pirates: 18 January, 18:00
- Royal AM vs Pirates: 22 January, 19:30
- Pirates vs Kaizer Chiefs: 01 February, 15:30
Bucs Flying High in Africa
The Buccaneers are touching distance from qualification into the Caf Champions League knockout stages. They beat the Ivorian outfit Stade d’Abidjan 3-0 courtesy of goals from Relebohjile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Deon Hotto. They’re sitting pretty in Group C with two wins and two draws from four matches.
Two new stars coming through
Siyabonga Ndlozi and Yanga Madiba have been spotted training with the Bucs’ first team. It’s expected that both will play some part in the remainder of the campaign as Pirates challenge for silverware on several fronts. Who are these players?
Ndlozi is a 22-year-old attacker who can play across the front line in the wide areas. Meanwhile, Madiba is a promising left-back who’s seen as a natural successor to veterans Innocent Maela and Deon Hotto.
“Soon after Thursday’s first training session for 2025, the Buccaneers‘ social media account shared images of the players on the grass at the Rand Stadium training base. One of the faces was former Orbit College left-back Yanga Madiba, aged 23. With Deon Hotto turning 35 this year, Orlando Pirates are clearly developing Mabida as a possible successor at number three. Meanwhile, Paseko Mako has been back from injury to compete with Hotto, while Innocent Maela continues to struggle for game time.”
Soweto Derby looms large
Pirates have held the upper hand in recent meetings between these great Soweto rivals. The Buccaneers have won the last three meetings across all competitions, including each of the last two in the league. That stopped a curious and somewhat surprising run of five consecutive wins for Chiefs in Soweto Derby league clashes with the Sea Robbers. 1 February is a date to put in the diary.
Will Pirates claim the Caf Champions League crown this term?
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