Orlando Pirates News Today: Bucs legend unfazed by Mofokeng departure & more

Orlando Pirates news, including club legend Lucky Lekgwathi’s verdict on the Buccaneers’ title defence prospects and a preview of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership opener.

Lekgwathi: ‘Pirates are not a one-man team’

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi has thrown his full weight behind the Buccaneers to retain the Betway Premiership title, even without their most influential player from last season, according to Soccer Laduma.

Lekgwathi believes the Buccaneers are capable of defending the league title despite the departure of newly-crowned PSL Player of the Season Relebohile Mofokeng, who has since joined Belgian Pro League outfit Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

Speaking at the season launch, the Pirates legend acknowledged that the road ahead will be tough, but insisted the squad’s collective strength makes them genuine contenders.

“Speaking from experience, the league is not going to be easy because all the teams will want to beat Orlando Pirates, but I have strong belief and faith in Pirates because, if you look at Pirates, they only lost one player, Relebohile,” Lekgwathi told the media.

The former skipper also noted the silver lining in Mofokeng’s exit, suggesting it opens doors for emerging talent across the league. “I think it’s a good motivation for other teams to give youngsters the opportunity to showcase their talent,” he concluded.

Ouaddou urges Pirates to ‘be hungry again’

The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season kicks off this weekend, with champions Orlando Pirates stepping into unfamiliar territory as the hunted rather than the hunters, while Kaizer Chiefs enter the campaign under new coach Fernando da Cruz.

A cloud of grief, however, hangs over the opening weekend following the tragic passing of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams, which has led to the postponement of the Brazilians’ fixture against Marumo Gallants.

Pirates open their title defence at Orlando Stadium against newly-promoted Milford FC on Saturday, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisting the club must shift focus from last season’s achievement and set fresh objectives.

“Of course, I am very proud of everyone for what we achieved last season. After 14 years, we achieved something great thanks to the efforts of everyone at the club. But we can’t look at this trophy every day and forget that we have another season coming,” Ouaddou said.