Just when it seemed like Orlando Pirates were building momentum ahead of the new season, a double dose of uncertainty is now hanging over the club—one from the treatment room and the other from the transfer market.
Injuries Cloud Pirates’ MTN8 Opener After Spanish Preseason
Orlando Pirates are returning from a high-energy preseason tour in Spain, but not everything went according to plan.
While the trip helped integrate several fresh signings, it also left a few players nursing injuries.
New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou confirmed that some players picked up knocks during the tour.
“It’s normal to see swelling or minor injuries when young men play football,” he said, brushing off concerns but not offering much clarity on who might be affected.
With the MTN8 Cup opener against Polokwane City looming on August 2, the uncertainty around player fitness is causing some unease.
Ouaddou’s vague update leaves fans wondering whether key names will be missing from that first matchday lineup.
Mofokeng Transfer Saga Heats Up with PSV in the Lead
While Pirates deal with injuries on the field, off it they’re battling to hold onto one of their brightest young stars.
Relebohile Mofokeng is now the subject of intense interest from European clubs—PSV Eindhoven reportedly leading the chase.
Whispers suggest the numbers being discussed are already well above R100 million, with some sources placing his true market value at closer to R120 million.
Mofokeng’s father, Sechaba, isn’t hiding his excitement—and his hopes.
“I don’t want to see him back in the Betway Premiership this season,” he told local media. “God will make a plan.”
He dreams of seeing his son competing on European stages, ideally in the UEFA Champions League.
“He can play at Barcelona. He can play at PSG. Anywhere in the world—just not Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Will Pirates Have the Depth to Compete?
So the big questions now are: Can Orlando Pirates manage their early-season injuries and still hit the ground running in the MTN8? And will they still have Mofokeng in their lineup when August 2 rolls around?
The combination of squad fitness issues and a major transfer decision hanging in the balance could define how the Buccaneers begin their campaign.
