Orlando Pirates are back in action—and they’ve kicked off their pre-season with real intent.
The team landed in Spain and, without missing a beat, headed straight to the training ground in Marbella.
It’s their third straight pre-season trip to Spain, but this time, things feel different.
Why? Because there’s a new man in charge and a bunch of fresh faces on the pitch.
New Coach, New Energy, and New Players
The Buccaneers are now under the leadership of Abdeslam Ouaddou, who is overseeing his very first pre-season with the squad.
So far, he seems to be bringing both intensity and structure to the sessions, making sure the team stays sharp ahead of the upcoming season.
But Ouaddou isn’t the only fresh addition. Pirates have welcomed 11 new signings, with nine already confirmed and one more recently spotted joining the action—Bafana Bafana star Oswin Appollis. He’s already been seen sweating it out with the squad in Marbella, and his squad number has now been revealed too.
Oswin Appollis Wears the Iconic Number 15
Appollis will wear jersey number 15, a shirt that holds serious weight at Pirates.
Fans will remember it was once worn by midfield legends like Andile Jali and more recently Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.
With such a legacy attached to the number, Appollis will definitely want to live up to expectations and make that shirt his own.
Sipho Mbule Surprises Fans with Jersey Number Choice
Another major talking point during training has been Sipho Mbule, who shocked fans with his unexpected move to Pirates after rumors linked him to their rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.
Mbule was seen wearing jersey number 39, a rather unconventional choice that’s left many supporters wondering if there’s a deeper meaning behind it.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker joined Pirates on a free transfer, and while his talent has never been in question, it’s his off-field struggles that have followed him over the years.
Now at 27, this move could be his clean slate—a chance to reset, grow, and shine under a new coach and a new system.
Pirates Fans Left Buzzing and Curious
With all these changes, one thing is clear—Pirates are not playing around this season.
The energy in camp feels ambitious and competitive.
The big question now is how all these pieces will come together once the season officially kicks off.
And of course, fans have questions of their own. What do you make of Mbule’s number choice? Do you think he’ll deliver? Can Appollis live up to the legacy of jersey 15?