Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs given Champions League warning, agent on Mbule’s future & more

Latest news about Orlando Pirates including the future of Sipho Mbule and why a club legend is not convinced about their CAF Champions League title credentials.

Orlando Pirates given CAF Champions League warning

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Liau has warned the club that they will struggle in the CAF Champions League unless they strengthen the squad.

Pirates ended their 14-year wait for a league title last weekend and will be looking for a deep run in the Champions League, which rivals Mamelodi Sundowns have just won, but Liau does not believe they have the squad to win it.

“They must reinforce, CAF Champions League needs experience, they have to mix those boys with experience. You can’t go to the Champions League with boys that are so young,” said Liau as quoted by KickOff.

“They must get experience, especially at the back. Get a striker that you know for sure. Check the squad of Sundowns, it is balanced, it has experience and young players, it’s a good mixture.”

Mbule’s agent comments on midfielder’s future

Sipho Mbule’s agent Mike Makaab has weighed in on speculation about the midfielder’s future at Orlando Pirates.

Mbule joined Pirates on a one-year deal, with the option for another, and started well, playing regularly but since January, he made just five substitute appearances and there are reports that he might be offloaded.

“In a very simple form, one has to respect the technical staff’s decisions. They have done incredibly well at Pirates, they have a right to decide who they believe must play to achieve what they want. That’s something we need to respect,” he told iDiski Times on the player’s limited gametime.

“I can’t even comment on that, the club has an option until the end of May. And again, I have to respect that. Whatever decision is made, I must respect that,” he added when asked about Mbule’s future.

Bucs legend on why Mbokazi deserves credit for PSL title

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Thapelo Liau feels Mbekezeli Mbokazi deserves immense credit for Orlando Pirates’ PSL title win as he played a major part in the first half of the season.

Mbokazi featured in 11 PSL matches, winning eight and helping keep seven clean sheets, before his departure to MLS club Chicago Fire in January 2026.

“All the boys played but players like (Mbekezeli) Mbokazi, he played an important role before leaving, very important. And also the signing of (Oswin) Appollis and (Tshepang) Moremi were great signings,” Liau told KickOff.