Orlando Pirates News Today: Tito delivers abroad! Transfer updates & more

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Tito delivers abroad! Transfer updates & more

Latest Orlando Pirates news in the last 24 hours, including Patrick Maswanganyi assisting twice, midfielder back, Abdeslam Ouaddou on the CAF Champions League, and more.

Maswanganyi gets two assists for Al Khaldiya

Patrick Maswanganyi set up two goals in his second performance for Bahraini side Al Khaldiya in their 3-1 win over A’ali.

Ouaddou underlines importance of CAF CL

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has highlighted the importance of the CAF Champions League as the Buccaneers prepare for this season’s continental campaign.

Pirates were knocked out of the competition in the second preliminary round last season. They have, once again, made it their important objective this time around. The Buccaneers have made an impressive start domestically, sitting top of the Betway Premiership standings with 13 points from their opening five matches.

They have also reached the MTN8 final for a fifth consecutive year, with Mamelodi Sundowns awaiting them on 10 October.

Pirates begin their 2026/27 CAF Champions League campaign away to Mauritian champions La Cure Waves in the first preliminary round on Sunday.

“We have some games before that [MTN8]; I think it’s the Champions League,” said Ouaddou.

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players in training.
Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and his players in training. Image: Orlando Pirates

“It’s one competition that is very important for us, especially when we know last season when we went out quickly. So, for us, it’s really, really important. And after, we will have time to think about the MTN8.”

Pirates to welcome midfielder back from injury

With the demands of competing in different competitions expected to test the depth of the squad, Dlamini’s return could provide coach Abdeslam Ouaddou with another important option.

Zulu explains his impressive start at Bucs

Orlando Pirates’ newly signed defender Sbangani Zulu has opened up about his heroic start at the club, where he has put his hand up as a solid option in the left centre-back position.

Zulu arrived as somewhat of an under-the-radar signing from Richards Bay FC in the off-season, overshadowed by high-profile arrivals like Ghampani Lungu, Mthetheleli Mthiyane, and Bohale Ngwato.

“I have to say a big thank you to the supporters. Since I have been in the team, they have shown me more support than I have ever received,” he told the media.

“Even when I play, you can hear them chanting, ‘Zuuuuulu’. So, the way they support me encourages me and makes me fearless,” he added.

Sbangani Zulu
Sbangani Zulu of Orlando Pirates

Despite his early heroics, the defender acknowledged that he still faces stiff competition to nail down a permanent starting spot in the line-up with Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mpho Chabatsane among those in the reckoning.

<!-- 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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