Orlando Pirates 2025-26 Season Review - Domestic Treble, First Title in 14 Years
The Orlando Pirates delivered an outstanding 2025-26 season, securing the PSL title for the first time in 14 years and completing a domestic treble. Star performers included Oswin Appollis, Rele Mofokeng, and Lebone Seema, while Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s leadership was pivotal. Despite early exits in other cups and the need for striker reinforcements, the season is hailed as historic. Several transfers are expected to keep the squad refreshed and competitive.
- Pirates won the PSL title after 14 years and secured a domestic treble.
- Appollis, Mofokeng, and Seema delivered standout performances.
- Key focus next season: signing a top striker and refreshing squad depth.
Pirates won three trophies this season, including the PSL title (Getty Images).
Orlando Pirates 2025-26 Season Review
Did Orlando Pirates Meet Expectations?
Pirates won the PSL title for the first time in 14 years, and added two domestic trophies to make a treble. They completely blew away any expectations for the season.
The style of play was outstanding and easily the most entertaining in the PSL. However, they had an early exit from the CAF Champions League and will also regret their early Nedbank Cup elimination.
Player of the Season
Two players stood out head and shoulders above their teammates and the rest of the league. Rele Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis are vying for the best player in the division, and both excelled for Pirates.
Lebone Seema was excellent in defence, and Sipho Chaine kept 21 clean sheets in 30 matches in goal.
Deon Hotto led the league’s assist charts from left back, and Thalente Mbatha was another strong performer in central midfield.
Performance of the Season
This is a tough one to pick. Pirates smashed TS Galaxy 6-0 away and beat Golden Arrows 5-0 at home a few days later with 30 shots at goal.
Perhaps the best performance was a 3-0 win vs Kaizer Chiefs in a match which could easily have ended by double the margin of victory.
Best New Signing
Oswin Appollis takes the cake here after his arrival from Polokwane City. Tshepang Moremi also hit double figures after his arrival from AmaZulu.
Kamogelo Sebelebele was signed from TS Galaxy and moved into a new role at right back. He scored several goals and earned a place in the Bafana Bafana squad for the FIFA World Cup.
Lebone Seema was a relative unknown when he arrived, but he fast established himself at centre back.
Main Areas of Improvement
Getting a prolific number nine is perhaps the main area to improve. Pirates may also feel they need to properly replace Mbekezeli Mbokazi are his sale to Chicago Fire in January.
Bucs may decide to freshen up areas where they have too many older players. This includes left back and central midfield.
Upcoming Orlando Pirates Transfer Activity
Pirates are set to sign half a dozen new players, with the same number departing the club.
Mthetheleli Mthiyane has been signed from Stellenbosch in midfield, whilst right back Thabiso Lebitso has been included in the deal.
Bandile Shandu, Sipho Mbule and Tshegofatso Mabasa have all been released. There are also big calls to make over a number of loanees.
Overall Season Summary – Orlando Pirates
This was a truly amazing season, winning three trophies. To do this despite selling a key defender in Mbokazi in January was a marvellous achievement.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou proved an inspired appointment, and the football was dazzling at times in its intensity and speed. It will be difficult to live up to these standards next season.
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
07 June 2026
- Morocco v Norway -
- Soccer
08 June 2026
- West Indies vs Sri Lanka -
- Cricket
11 June 2026
- 2026 FIFA World Cup Odds -
- Soccer
- South Africa FIFA World Cup Preview -
- Soccer
- 10bet Fifa World Cup Quiz -
- Soccer
Load More
