Orlando Pirates News Today: Jali dismisses Mofokeng-Zwane comparisons, Seema on strong Bucs defence & more

The latest news about Orlando Pirates in the last 24 hours, including Andile Jali’s take on Relebohile Mofokeng being compared to Themba Zwane and why the Buccaneers’ defence is strong.

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Jali shuts down Mofokeng-Mshishi comparisons

Former Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Andile Jali has hit out at those already making comparisons between Relebohile Mofokeng and Themba Zwane.

Mofokeng is currently regarded as the best young player in South Africa while Zwane is one of those who have done it and seen it all during his over 15 years at Sundowns but some have been making comparisons, especially with the 21-year-old now playing as a No.10.

🚨Jali has spoken, you cannot compare Rele and Zwane. pic.twitter.com/rccXgEpsrH

— MrksPSLClub (@MrksPSLClub) April 3, 2026

“We cannot compare Zwane to a young boy who has only played for one year. Let him play for 10 consecutive years, then we can talk,” Jali said on the Arena Sports Show.

“Let the boy play and enjoy his football. He must play, let him play, enjoy because now this boy is not growing. There was a time after the MTN8 [final earlier this season] when he wasn’t playing well, and people complained he was affected by [Mohau] Nkota’s departure.”

“But it’s not that. He needs to fix himself before people start talking,” added Jali.

Seema reveals what is behind Pirates’ great defence

Orlando Pirates defender Lebone Seema has explained why the Buccaneers have been hard to beat this season.

Pirates have lost three of their 22 league games, and conceded just nine, the best defence in the league, with Seema part of a rock-solid backline, having played 20 PSL matches, and he says it has been down to a collective effort.

“We have been doing the same thing from the start of the season, which is defending together, staying compact and putting in the work,” Seema told FARPost.

Pirates boost title hopes as they go six points clear

Orlando Pirates moved six points ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns in the race for the DStv Diski Challenge title following a 1-0 win over Stellenbosch FC at the Lentelus Sports Ground on Saturday.

Pirates bounced back from their Soweto Derby defeat with Simphiwe Masilela scoring the lone goal as the young Buccaneers took their tally to 57 points from 25 games, six more than second-placed Sundowns, who have a game in hand.