Orlando Pirates News Today: Tito told ‘overseas they don’t play’, Ouaddou’s pitch U-turn & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, as legend Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane delivers a blunt message to Patrick Maswanganyi, Abdeslam Ouaddou softens his stance on the Old Peter Mokaba pitch, and Mpho Makola urges new signing Matome Mmolai to stay ready.

Blunt message delivered to Maswanganyi

South African football legend Mlungisi ‘Professor’ Ngubane has urged Patrick Maswanganyi to adjust his attitude and approach his career with greater seriousness even as he moves to Bahrain.

The 28-year-old has sealed a transfer to Bahrain Premier League side Alkhaldiya Sports Club and while speaking at the 19th SA Sport Awards at Sun City, Ngubane acknowledged Maswanganyi’s quality while not pulling any punches.

“They will [miss him]. But my advice to Maswanganyi is that he must change his attitude,” Ngubane told journalists as per FARPost.

“He must take football seriously because he is talented. Sometimes you don’t see his talent because he takes football for granted. He must be very serious because he has a lot to offer. We haven’t seen the best of him.”

Ngubane added that a move abroad could be exactly the catalyst Maswanganyi needs. “Overseas they don’t play. They give you a contract, they give you the money you want. But there is no room for error. You can’t do as you wish. He is going to change. All I want from him is that he must stay humble and disciplined because coaches abroad are no joke.”

Ouaddou reverses stance on Old Peter Mokaba pitch

Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has praised ground staff for an improved surface at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, marking a notable shift from his previous position after the Buccaneers’ 1-0 MTN8 semi-final first-leg victory over Sekhukhune United.

The contrast with his comments from earlier this year was stark. Following a 2-1 league win over Polokwane City in March 2026, Ouaddou had strongly criticised the decision to stage top-flight fixtures on the secondary pitch, arguing that player safety was being compromised.

“The pitch didn’t allow us to play properly,” he had stated at the time. “We could’ve picked up some injuries, and I don’t think it’s good for football or the fans.”

After Saturday’s semi-final, however, Ouaddou struck a markedly different tone, while still maintaining that high-profile fixtures deserve bigger stages. “I don’t like to criticise because even the pitch was small. I think we have to give people who work on the pitch credit because it was in a good state to play football. Well done to them,” said Ouaddou.

Orlando Pirates new signing told: ‘Be ready at any time’

Former Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has advised the club’s new signing, Matome Mmolai, to remain fully prepared for whenever his official debut moment arrives.

Both Makola and Mmolai hail from Alexandra, giving the former Buccaneer a personal connection to the youngster’s journey. Mmolai was signed from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City and travelled with the squad to Spain for pre-season, but has yet to make his competitive bow for the Soweto giants.