Orlando Pirates News Today: Mofokeng’s dream cut short, transfer updates, & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Mofokeng’s dream cut short, transfer updates, & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, in the last 24 hours, including Relebohile Mofokeng’s heartbreak, why Bucs are favourites in CAF Champions League outing and more.

Mofokeng’s dream cut short

Relebohile Mofokeng and Royale Union Saint-Gilloise were eliminated from the UEFA Champions League third qualifying round after losing 3-2 after ET to Bodo/Glimt on Tuesday and 6-5 on aggregate.

Mofokeng, though, made his debut in the competition, coming off the bench in the 91st minute in extra-time, before the hosts scored the winner in the 117th minute.

USG had forced extra-time thanks to making it 2-2 in in the 88th minute but were reduced to 10 men in injury-time when Kamiel Van de Perre was sent off.

Relebohile Mofokeng
Relebohile Mofokeng. Image: Royale Union Saint-Gilloise

Mofokeng made his debut in the competition, coming off the bench in the first minute of extra-time but this time being unable to impact the game much.

Instead, USG will now drop the UEFA Europa League league phase for the 2026/27 campaign.

Bucs the favourites against La Cure Waves SC

La Cure Waves SC manager Jerome Thomas has looked towards the side’s continental encounter against Orlando Pirates, admitting that his side are “not at the same level” as the South African giants.

Following the preliminary draw in Cairo, the Buccaneers discovered their route to the group stage. Pirates will face Mauritian champions La Cure Waves SC in the first preliminary round.

The first leg scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, in Mauritius, before the return leg at Orlando Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, September 12.

Speaking to L’express Maurice, Thomas was candid about the challenge awaiting his side while emphasising their determination to compete. 

“The draw is favourable to us, we are facing the great Orlando Pirates, and we know that it is a professional and well-structured club at the African level,” Thomas said as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“The draw is here and we, as champions of Mauritius, are discovering the African championship for the first time. We were in preparation, we gained three weeks, and we have been quite motivated.

Oswin Appollis, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Camren Dansin of Orlando Pirates.
IOswin Appollis, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Camren Dansin. mage – Orlando Pirates

“It is true that we are not at the same level, we do not have the same level, but the match is here, and we will play the match giving the best of ourselves,” he added.

“We started by saying that we work hard in the team, then we respected the conditions required by the trade, and after that we remained positive, we remained determined. Even with the team there, we need help to do the best possible here.”

Irvin Khoza lauded by McKenzie

South African Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie has lauded PSL chairman Dr Irvin Khoza, crediting his visionary leadership with transforming South African football into a powerhouse defined by professionalism, commercial viability, and integrity.

Taking to his official X [formerly Twitter] account over the weekend, McKenzie expressed profound gratitude to Khoza, who has been at the helm of the league’s executive committee since 2003 and was re-elected unopposed for another term in November 2024.

“We owe you a huge debt of gratitude; you have transformed football totally,” he stated.

Orlando Pirates chairman DrIrvin Khoza
Irvin Khoza, Orlando Pirates

“I have oversight over sports and can say openly the official PSL is a staff-driven organisation with sponsors fighting to be part of the PSL. All of them drawn in part by your [Khoza] professionalism and integrity.”

<!-- 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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