Orlando Pirates 2025-26 Mid-Season Review - Slow Start, Two Cups, Now Title Favourites?

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 3 hours ago

John Eastwood 3 hours ago

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Bucs bounced back from initial losses to win nine of their last ten matches.
They’ve lifted two domestic cups, eyeing a third with the Nedbank Cup.
Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi are standout new signings.

Pirates sit top of the PSL and have won two domestic trophies already (Getty Images).

League Season Summary so Far

Bucs have had a superb PSL season up to this point. After losing their opening two league fixtures under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, they have since won nine of ten matches.
League Season Summary so Far
Cup Summary
Are Pirates Meeting Expectations?
Player of the Season
Performance of the Season
Best New Signing
Main Areas of Improvement
Upcoming Orlando Pirates Transfer Activity
Overall Season Summary – Orlando Pirates

Their five goals conceded is the fewest in the division. Their opening nine matches saw just 11 goals scored as they leaned heavily on a young centre back pairing.

With a game in hand over Mamelodi Sundowns and a two-point lead, the Sea Robbers are hopeful of ending a 14-year wait for a league crown.

Cup Summary

Whilst Pirates were knocked out of the CAF Champions League in the qualifying rounds, they’ve lifted two domestic cups already this season.

They won the MTN8 after beating Stellenbosch 3-0 in extra time. They have followed that up with a 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout Cup final, which took place on 7 December.

With the league title to fight for, and the Nedbank Cup due to start in February, Pirates are chasing a possible quadruple.

Are Pirates Meeting Expectations?

Many supporters felt that Pirates could go all the way in the CAF Champions League, having reached last season’s semi-final. An early exit was a bitter pill to swallow.

However, their league form, winning two trophies already, and their exciting style of play have all exceeded what the fans were hoping for.

From this point, there is great hope of winning the league. If they were to fall short, it would be a big disappointment as they’ve raised optimism and expectations.

Player of the Season

Bucs have had several strong performers this season. Mbekezeli Mbokazi has excelled at centre back, whilst Deon Hotto has been a model of consistency at left back.

In attack, Oswin Appollis and Tshepang Moremi have lowered the club’s reliance of Relebohile Mofokeng, whilst the latter has a slight dip in form and some minor injuries to contend with.

Performance of the Season

Orlando Pirates have been very consistent this season, winning plenty of matches by one and two-goal margins.

Highlighting any particularly impressive performance is not easy. They won 3-1 away at a high-flying Golden Arrows with as they allowed just two shots on target to the league’s second-top scoring team.

A 3-0 win at Chippa United early in the season saw 1.98 xG produced and five big chances created.

Best New Signing

Pirates had an outstanding transfer window. Most of their new signings have made a significant impact. Tshepang Moremi has scored eight goals in just 1,151 minutes after his move from AmaZulu.

Oswin Appollis has scored four goals and assisted a further six since being bought from Polokwane City. He is an early contender for PSL Footballer of the Season.

Lebone Seema has been the biggest surprise. The 22-year old centre back made just nine starts for TS Galaxy before joining Bucs. This term has seen him keep 12 clean sheets in 17 starts as he has won a starting berth vs some experienced, high-profile players.

Main Areas of Improvement

One area that could see improvement is the goalscoring. Pirates narrowly edged many of their league wins and had trouble putting matches to bed.

There are some key players who are yet to really hit heir stride this season. They include Patrick Maswanganyi and Relebohile Mofokeng. If they can get a tune out of them, Bucs can win the league.

Upcoming Orlando Pirates Transfer Activity

Pirates have sold Mbekezeli Mbokazi to Chicago Fire in the MLS. The defender will need to be replaced internally by injury returnees Thabiso Sesane and Olisa Ndah.

Andre De Jong is set to join from Stellenbosch FC to boost the number ten position.