Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs land ‘a diamond’, transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs land ‘a diamond’, transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news, in the last 24 hours, including a diamond signing, Oswin Appollis on Jayden Adams’ sudden death, why Bucs need another goalkeeper and more.

Appollis openes up about Adams’ death

Orlando Pirates midfielder Oswin Appollis has shared how he dealt with the tragic passing of his close friend Jayden Adams.

Appollis was a close friend of the late Bafana Bafana star, with the two also sharing great moments in the national team.

The Orlando Pirates midfielder explained how difficult it was when he received the news but stated that he will have to continue working so that he can provide for the people around him.

“Obviously, when I got the news, it was difficult. But you know, things happen. The man above is the one, decide these things,” he told the media.

Trbutes for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.
Trbutes for Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams.

“Me, as you know, I have to continue you know doing my job because I mean this is my job. If I don’t do anything, then what will happen to my family and to me?

“So, I have to continue working out, and the season is starting now and I’m ready.”

Pirates signed a diamond

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has described new signing Matome Mmolai as a diamond that needs to be polished, revealing that he’s been impressed with how respectful the player has been.

Mmolai joined the Buccaneers from Motsepe Foundation Championship side Leicesterford City before their pre-season tour of Spain and Ouaddou has been impressed with how the creative midfielder has been able to integrate into the squad.

“He has been doing well so far. I was really impressed. I was not expecting to integrate into our collective so quickly. He is a very good human being, very respectful. He has very strong values that I like,” he told the media.

Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates
Abdeslam Ouaddou, Orlando Pirates – Image:: Pirates

“He has a lot of respect, but at the same time he is somebody who can bring us his creativity. His creativity, his freshness is very important, you know. We are looking forward to seeing him.

“Of course, there are certain areas where we are going to help him for his decision making. But I think he has big potential and we are going to help him. It’s a diamond that we have to polish.”

Pirates need more keepers

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou feels that they need to add one or two more goalkeepers to the squad following the departure of Melusi Buthelezi to Sekhukhune United.

How Bucs are coping without Mofokeng

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says the club has been experimenting with various midfield combinations in an effort to seamlessly transition into life without Relebohile Mofokeng.

The Bafana Bafana star departed the Soweto giants after four influential seasons with the senior team, completing a high-profile move to Belgian top-flight outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

The 21-year-old left the Buccaneers after firmly establishing himself as a cornerstone of the squad, particularly during their triumphant Betway Premiership title campaign last season.

Now, Ouaddou faces the challenging task of addressing the void left by the elusive creative engine. Pirates are gearing up to defend their domestic treble—having captured the league title, the MTN8, and the Carling Knockout Cup—while also aiming for a stronger showing in the CAF Champions League following their failure to reach the group stages last term.

“Rele was an important player for the club. If you can just see the data, his involvement in our chance creation, it was huge,” Ouaddou explained.

Relebohile Mofokeng at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Relebohile Mofokeng at Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. Photo: RUSG

“It’s important to find the profile that maybe can take the lead. But as you know, we are not speaking about individuals all the time; it’s important to speak about the collective.

“So, it’s what we tried to work on in Spain, new combinations, a lot of different profiling in midfield, trying to see. But I think we can have a good answer this weekend [against Milford FC].

<!-- Author Start -->Willis Sob<!-- Author End -->

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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