Orlando Pirates have finished second in the Premier Soccer League race for the last three seasons.
In the 2025/26 edition, the Soweto giants also successfully defended the MTN8, reached the Nedbank Cup final, but fell to traditional rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Continentally, they defied the odds to reach the Caf Champions League semi-final before being undone by eventual champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Sea Robbers have so far signed 11 players; Sipho Mbule (free), Yanela Mbuthuma (Richards Bay), Masindi Nemtajela (Marumo Gallants), Tshepang Moremi (AmaZulu), Nkosikhona Ndaba (Richards Bay), Sinoxolo Kwayiba (Chippa United), Tshepo Mashiloane (Baroka) and Sihle Nduli (Stellenbosch), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City), Kamogelo Sibelebele (TS Galaxy), Azola Tshobeni (Chippa United) are the new faces at the club.
‘Pirates are going to sizzle'
The Buccaneers legend Albert Mahlangu concedes Mamelodi Sundowns will definitely offer a tough challenge, but he insists the Sea Robbers are unstoppable.
“I am very excited; if I had it my way, the season should be starting now because I think Pirates are going to sizzle. Looking at the team from last season, they did a great job – we reached the semi-final of the CAF Champions League, finished not too far behind Sundowns in the league here, and reached two domestic finals.
“To me, that speaks to the fact that all we need to do is fix a few things, and we are going to be untouchable. For me, given the strength of this squad, Pirates is the only team that can beat Pirates. Yes, Sundowns are on another level, but they can be beaten.
“The boys that Pirates have added to the squad are very good players, and they are joining a team that is already good,” Mahlangu concluded.
Their first competitive game this season will be on Saturday when they play Polokwane City in the MTN8 quarter-final.
