Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs on the verge of title, Shandu’s future decided & more

Latest news about Orlando Pirates, including their Diski Challenge team close to being crowned, Bandile Shandu’s future now clear and heartbreak for Mbekezeli Mbokazi.  

Champagne on ice for Orlando Pirates’ DDC team

Orlando Pirates are on the verge of winning their first-ever DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) title following their 2-0 win over Chippa United on Saturday.

Pirates took their tally to 72 points with one game remaining, six more than second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, and with a goal difference of +5 over the young Brazilians.

It means Pirates need just a draw in their final match to win their maiden crown but they could even be crowned on Sunday if Sundowns fail to beat Kaizer Chiefs in their penultimate match of the season.

Even if Sundowns win their remaining two games and Pirates lose their final one, the Soweto giants could still be crowned if the former do not beat their goal difference.

Shandu’s agent provides update on Pirates future

Bandile Shandu is set to leave Orlando Pirates when his contract expires at the end of the season, according to his agent Mike Makaab.

Shandu has been at Pirates since 2021 but fallen down the pecking order this season, making just four appearances in all competitions, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddu preferring Kamogelo Sebelebele, Deano van Rooyen and Thabiso Lebitso ahead of him at right-back.

“Bandile Shandu, as you know, his contract is coming to an end at the end of the season, and he hasn’t been playing,” Makaab told FARPost. “So, I can tell you that Shandu is unlikely to stay with Pirates when his contract comes to an end, and we are looking for other opportunities.”

Defeat for ex-Bucs fan-favourite Mbokazi in MLS

Former Orlando Pirates defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi played 90 minutes as his club Chicago Fire suffered a 3-2 loss at home to Cincinnati in an MLS clash on Sunday morning.

Mbokazi put in a great shift as ex-TS Galaxy man Puso Dithejane watched from the bench but it was not enough to save Chicago from the defeat, their third in the league after 10 games, and second on the bounce after Thursday’s 2-1 cup loss to St Louis City FC.

Chicago are fourth on the MLS Eastern Conference table with 17 points, two behind New England and champions Inter Miami.