Orlando Pirates News Today: Ouaddou sets another record, Bucs duo tipped to ease Bafana worries & transfers

Orlando Pirates news, including a new record set by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, two Buccaneers defenders backed to step up for Bafana Bafana, and a Malian midfielder who has spoken out after completing his loan move.

Ouaddou sets new record at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has set another milestone in his just over one-year spell at the club as he has now won more Coach of the Month awards than any other Buccaneers tactician.

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— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) September 8, 2026

Ouaddou was awarded August Coach of the Month Award and this makes it his fourth, already surpassing the three of Jose Riveiro and Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic who lasted longer at the club.

The awards have been in existence since 2014 and Ouaddou looks set to extend the record if his team continues their impressive run.

Bucs pair backed to cover Bafana defensive crisis

Orlando Pirates could be about to play a central role in plugging a significant gap in the Bafana Bafana squad, with former national team goalkeeper John Tlale backing defenders Kamogelo Sebelebele and Lebone Seema to fill in for the injured Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Khuliso Mudau.

Mbokazi, a centre-back with Chicago Fire, suffered a severe left thigh tear shortly after returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while Mudau — who plays right-back for Mamelodi Sundowns — ruptured his Achilles tendon and is expected to miss up to six months of action.

The timing could hardly be worse. South Africa begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Guinea at Orlando Stadium on September 26, before travelling to face Eritrea at Al-Salam Stadium in Cairo on September 30.

Tlale, speaking to KickOff, acknowledged the challenge of replacing two established defenders but expressed confidence in the depth available.

“Sebelebele can cover for Mudau, especially when it comes to moving up and down the flank. He can also contribute offensively,” he said.

“Also from Pirates, it’s Seema. He is a very good defender, no mistake. I don’t think we will face much trouble in central defence; he will do well. They just need to play him there. I think both of them will do their best to fill the gap created by the injuries to the two stalwarts, Mbokazi and Mudau.”

Mariko speaks after Gallants loan confirmed

Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates’ Malian midfielder Abdoulaye Mariko has broken his silence after the confirmation of his season-long loan move to Marumo Gallants.

The 23-year-old joined Bahlabane Ba Ntwa alongside fellow Pirates player Daniel Msendami, while Bheki Mabuza moved in the opposite direction on a permanent deal back to the Buccaneers.

Mariko arrived at Pirates last season but found consistent opportunities hard to come by, making 12 appearances across all competitions during his debut campaign — the majority of them from the bench. He originally joined the Buccaneers from Malian side Djoliba Athletic Club and was one of two Mariko brothers to arrive at the club.

“I am very happy to announce my commitment with MARUMO GALLANT for the 2026-2027 season; new challenge, but the same ambition: Work hard, progress and wear the colours of Mali high,” he posted on social media.