Orlando Pirates News Today: Midfielder signed, ‘You aren’t here by chance!’ Duo support Ouaddou & more…

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Orlando Pirates News Today: Midfielder signed, ‘You aren’t here by chance!’ Duo support Ouaddou & more…

The latest Orlando Pirates News in the last 24 hours, including Bucs youngsters urged to deliver, Makhehlene Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha behind Abdeslam Ouaddou and more.

Pirates latest news as they break

Bucs sign midfielder!

Orlando Pirates have completed the signing of a midfielder from Stellenbosch FC, who is expected to carry the legacy of his brother, whose passing recently left South African football reeling.

You are not here by chance

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has issued a strong message on the club’s youngsters, insisting they are “not here by chance” as the Buccaneers prepare for Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns.

Kabelo Kgositsile, Simphiwe Selepe, Simphiwe Masilela, Mpho Padime and Sbangani Zulu are among the greenhorns Ouaddou could give a run-out.

Making it a huge occasion for Pirates is that they will be coming up against a team that recently won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup after beating Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. The weight of expectations on the Buccaneers also comes from fans wanting the team to lift a fifth straight MTN8 title.

That makes it a game of a lifetime for some Pirates youngsters and those playing a cup final for the first team in their professional careers. But Xoki has backed them not to melt in the heat of the occasion.

“They are not at this stage by chance; they have worked hard, they have earned their stripes, and the club has entrusted them with the roles and responsibilities of representing the club. For us, it is to always remind them of that,” Xoki told journalists. 

“Their game is taking them to this stage, and they are now in a week where some of them will play their first final. But they are not exposed. 

Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki
Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki

“There are guys who have played these finals; there are guys who are going to guide them on the day. There is also the coaching staff who are experienced enough to know what’s required and what to say to them.

“So, they are not exposed, if we put it like that. But they are ready. Everyone who wears a Pirates jersey is ready. It’s years of preparation, years of sacrifice. The moment is just for them to take.”

Bucs duo throws weight behind Ouaddou

Orlando Pirates midfielders Makhehlene Makhaula and Thalente Mbatha have thrown their weight behind Abdeslam Ouaddou following his stance on showboating.

Ouaddou has dominated headlines in recent weeks after repeatedly speaking out against unnecessary showboating by a few players at the club. The Moroccan mentor’s views have divided fans and former players alike, with some arguing that trickery and flair are deeply rooted in South African football culture.

The Bucs coach went as far as making a bold declaration that he would resign as Pirates head coach if his players continued to showboat. The highly-rated coach has consistently stressed the importance of scoring goals over juggling the ball without eliminating opposition defenders.

With Ouaddou’s stance sparking widespread debate, Makhaula and Mbatha have backed their coach, emphasising that dribbling should be purposeful and aimed at beating defenders.

“I don’t think [Ouaddou’s showboating views] is criticism. The coach is always saying that you can do whatever you want, as long as the score is 4-0 and in whatever you do, you’re eliminating a player,” Makhaula stated.

“So I think it’s a bit of criticism; the coach only wants the results, and after the results, then you can do whatever you want with the ball.”

“The coach doesn’t necessarily mean that he doesn’t like showboating. He’s a person who likes goals and direct football… he’s a person who can let you showboat,” the Bafana Bafana midfielder Mbatha added.

Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates playing against FC Neom.
Thalente Mbatha of Orlando Pirates playing against FC Neom. Photo: Orlando Pirates

“I believe that in terms of him speaking that he doesn’t like this showboating, it’s because the goals are not enough. So. The more you put five or four goals in the back of the net, I believe that he lets you do your own thing, and the coach is one person who’s really friendly, and he’s able to help youngsters.

“He played 17 years in top professional leagues. So I’m encouraging these youngsters that come to the DDC [to continue expressing themselves], and I believe that it’s something that the coach wants.”

Confidence high at Pirates

Confidence is high in the Orlando Pirates camp ahead of Saturday’s MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns. Bucs and Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha has just returned from injury and is raring to go.

<!-- 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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