Orlando Pirates News Today: Sundowns star lauded, Bucs lose star, transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Sundowns star lauded, Bucs lose star, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including Gamphani Lungu reflecting on his great start, Bucs lose race to sign Bafana Bafana star, Cassius Mailula lauded & more.

Lungu reflects on positive start at Bucs

Zambian international Gamphani Lungu has reflected on a positive start to life at Orlando Pirates after receiving the club’s ‘August Player of the Month’ award.

Versatile attacker Gamphani Lungu has been rewarded for an impressive start to life at Orlando Pirates after being named the Buccaneers’ Player of the Month for August.

The attacker made an immediate impact after arriving at Ezimnyama Ngenkani, finding the back of the net three times while also contributing an assist during his first month in the famous black and white — a return that earned him his first individual recognition since joining the Soweto giants.

Taking to Instagram, the former Siwelele attacker reflected on his adjustment to his new surroundings while expressing gratitude for the opportunity to represent one of the country’s biggest clubs.

“Been quiet, but definitely not idle. Grateful to God for this opportunity and for the gift to do what I love,” wrote Lungu in his first organic Instagram post since leaving Siwelele in July.

The 29-year-old also credited his new teammates and the Pirates faithful for helping him settle into his new environment.

Orlando Pirates
Orlando Pirates players celebrating goal against Sekhukhune United, Image: Pirates

“The welcome from the team has been amazing, and the support from the Pirates family has been felt from day one. I’m extremely grateful. I’m here to work, learn, grow, compete and most importantly enjoy the game. The rest, I’ll let the football speak for itself,” he shared.

Pirates beaten by Sundowns to star’s services

Thabang Matuludi’s future has been settled with the Bafana Bafana international now set for an exciting new chapter following a difficult start to the season, according to Kick Off.

Matuludi has long been linked with a move away from Polokwane City, where he has not yet featured since the beginning of the campaign after returning from the FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana.

Now, this website has been informed that the fullback has now signed a deal with Mamelodi Sundowns, who have beaten Orlando Pirates to his signature.

It is a three-year deal with an option for a further two years, according to well-placed sources.

The Bafana Bafana international has been at the centre of a long-running transfer battle between two South African giants, with both Sundowns and Pirates pushing hard to secure his services.

Matuludi’s performances for Polokwane City have seen his stock rise considerably over the past two seasons, with the right-back establishing himself as one of the standout defenders in the Betway Premiership. His progress was further rewarded with a place in South Africa’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Thabang Matuludi with Bafana Bafana during the 2026 World Cup.
Thabang Matuludi with Bafana Bafana during the 2026 World Cup. Image: Imago

Sundowns and their rivals from Soweto have been in a neck-and-neck battle for the player’s services, with the reigning African champions having now sprinted to the finish line first. 

Ex-Chiefs & Pirates striker lauds Mailula

Former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs striker Lehlohonolo Majoro has hailed Mamelodi Sundowns forward Cassius Mailula’s impact at the club since his return.

Mailula, 25, returned to Sundowns at the start of the season after his stint with Toronto FC did not work out. The Limpopo-born forward moved to the MLS in 2023 after an impressive season with the Brazilians, however couldn’t get much game-time and was sent on respective loans to Wydad and Kortrijk.

Since his return home he has scored four goals in nine matches across all competitions, including in the MTN8 where he’s helped Sundowns reach the final for the first time since 2021.

“I must say, Mailula’s return – he is really putting on a show, and it’s like he never left,” Majoro told iDiski Times.

“That’s how you reintroduce yourself back to your supporters. That’s what happiness does, and I believe he’s the true definition of how the struggles that I’ve gone through will never determine my destination.”

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

Willis Sob

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Willis Sob is a sports betting expert and journalist covering Nigeria and South Africa, with 16 years of experience. With a background in journalism, reporting and programme production, he specialises in football odds, and his work has appeared on OK Africa and GOAL, as well as TV, radio and podcasts.

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