Orlando Pirates News Today: City midfielder keen to spoil title party, Bucs star to miss World Cup & more

Latest news about Orlando Pirates, including a warning of sorts from Durban City midfielder Thabo Nodada and why the Soweto giants will not lift the PSL trophy on Saturday even with a win.

Durban City star not afraid by Pirates ahead of title decider

Durban City FC midfielder, Thabo Nodada, uthi kuzoba nzima ukuzama ukuvimba i-Orlando Pirates from winning he #BetwayPrem at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday. #GFMSports #GagasiFM #TheSoundOfKZN pic.twitter.com/3f3oIKPpJk
— Gagasi FM (@gagasifm) May 14, 2026

Durban City midfielder Thabo Nodada is relishing the chance to be involved in a potential title decider as his team clash with Orlando Pirates on Saturday with the Soweto giants requiring a win to end their 14-year wait for a PSL crown.

“We’re not going to enjoy that game, we’re not. I mean, I saw a record,” Nodada said as per iDiski Times. “I think they said the stadium is sold out on a Tuesday.”

“Look, to be even in the position we are in, you know, why us? You know, why do you come from a Nedbank Cup final and then you have a chance to decide something that’s so far out of your reach, you know?

“Look, it’s a game of football. It’s 90 minutes. We go there, we do our best. If our best is better than their best, then good luck to them.”

Orlando Pirates star to miss World Cup

Andre de Jong of Orlando Pirates. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates midfielder Andre De Jong will not be going to the World Cup after all after he was omitted from New Zealand’s squad by coach Darren Bazeley.

De Jong had joined Pirates in January from Stellenbosch FC, citing the need to make the World Cup squad as key to his move, but after being used sparingly by coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, he has paid the ultimate price.

The midfielder has made just 11 appearances for Pirates, four of them starts, and that was not enough to convince Bazeley.

Why Bucs will not receive PSL trophy if they beat City

Oswin Appollis, Rele Mofokeng and Yanela Mbuthuma of Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates look to have one hand on the PSL trophy but they will not lift it if they beat Durban City on Saturday.

Pirates are three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, whose season is already done, while having two games still to play, and can go top on goal difference if they win.

With a +8-goal advantage over Sundowns, any win would do it for Pirates, but while reality says they will be champions, mathematically, there is an assumption that they could lose their final match against Magesi by a huge margin which would see them miss out.

That is unlikely to happen as if Pirates win 1-0 on Saturday, Magesi would need to win 9-0 to deny them the title but until the last game is played, the Buccaneers will not be getting their hands on the trophy.