Orlando Pirates News Today: Youngsters to Europe, transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Youngsters to Europe, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, including the Sea Robbers’ youngsters heading to Europe, Gavin Hunt adamant no one at Bucs is better than Neo Rapoo, Yanela Mbuthuma told how to deliver and more.

No one is better than him at Pirates!

Gavin Hunt has made a massive statement about Neo Rapoo’s battle for the left-back spot at Orlando Pirates!

Having handed him his senior debut, the Stellies boss is tipping the 21-year-old for big things at Bucs despite a slow start in Soweto.

Mbuthuma told how to deliver at Pirates

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Rodney Ramagalela has shared a passionate message with struggling Orlando Pirates sharpshooter Yanela Mbuthuma.

The Buccaneers striker has come under fire owing to his inability to put away scoring chances. He left the pitch a disappointed man after failing to find the back of the net despite numerous opportunities in a Betway Premiership match against AmaZulu FC at Kings Park Stadium on Wednesday.

“I know he is very strong. He is a big boy. He has to know and understand what is expected of him on the pitch, and he needs to score goals,” the ex-Black Leopards player said as quoted by KickOff.

“For me, I believe he signed for Pirates because he was scoring goals previously. He just needs to go back and do the things he was doing at Richards Bay [FC] to be able to score goals, which is to be in the right positions and be able to read the movements of the defenders for him to be in a good position to get the ball.

Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates
Yanela Mbuthuma, Orlando Pirates

“This is because, for me, it’s all about that luck he needs to get the ball inside the net.

“I won’t say he is not getting chances, he is getting the chances, but he needs he makes sure he buries them. That’s why I am saying it’s a very difficult thing when the striker is not getting the balls, but I believe in the next game he will be able to get one and boost his confidence,” he concluded.

Pirates youngsters to Europe

The PSL has confirmed that DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) winners Orlando Pirates’ officially headed to Europe.

The young Buccaneers sensationally clinched their historic first-ever DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) title by defeating closest rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 on the final day of the season, breaking the league record with an impressive 75 points.

Broadcast sponsors MultiChoice have officially locked in the elite European fixtures scheduled for this nine-day Winners Tour.

The reserve team will kick off their overseas assignments against SBV Vitesse Arnhem on 18 August 2026. This opening fixture will be followed by a tough encounter against De Graafschap on 20 August 2026.

Orlando Pirates celebrate 2026 Diski Challenge (DDC) glory.
Orlando Pirates celebrate 2026 Diski Challenge (DDC) glory. Image: Asidilali

The young Buccaneers will then wrap up their tour on 22 August 2026, participating in a highly competitive mini-tournament against Dutch outfit Sparta Rotterdam and Japan’s Yamanashi Gakuin.

However, the touring squad will wear a notably fresh look following a massive shake-up within the club’s development ranks over the winter break.

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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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