After a thrilling 2-1 victory over the log leaders Sundowns, Orlando Pirates are now preparing for a crucial challenge in the Caf Champions League.
The Pirates are filled with renewed confidence as they head into the quarter-finals, where they will face Algerian side MC Alger over two legs.
The first leg kicks off on Tuesday, April 1st, at 21:00.
Aiming for the Semi-Finals
Orlando Pirates are quietly optimistic about their chances of securing a spot in the Champions League semi-finals.
Their opponents, MC Alger, currently sit atop the Algerian Ligue 1, holding a commanding seven-point lead after 20 matches.
However, the Pirates are determined to prove themselves on the continental stage and advance further in the competition.
A New Star in the Making
March 5th, 2025, could become a significant date in Orlando Pirates’ history.
On this day, 19-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi made his debut for the club, and he did so in style.
The young goalkeeper helped his team secure a 1-0 win, keeping a clean sheet in his very first match.
Since then, Mbokazi has continued to impress, playing key roles in subsequent fixtures, including the Nedbank Cup match against SuperSport where he scored the opening goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw, with Pirates eventually winning on penalties.
His standout performance in a 0-0 draw against Stellenbosch further solidified his reputation as a rising star.
Pirates Take Down Sundowns
Mbokazi’s strong performances have coincided with a much-needed boost for the team.
In their recent match against Sundowns, Mbokazi started and played a crucial role in their 2-1 victory.
This win has reignited their title challenge, despite the Pirates trailing Sundowns by 15 points in the league standings.
With four games in hand, the Pirates are still in contention and looking to make a comeback.
A New Addition to the Squad
In exciting news for Pirates fans, versatile 23-year-old Yanga Madiba is on the verge of breaking into the first team.
Known for his flexibility, Madiba is comfortable playing on either flank and can also operate in midfield or defense.
His potential has caught the attention of the coaching staff, and he could be the next big thing for Orlando Pirates.
Will Orlando Pirates Conquer Africa in 2024-2025?
The question on every Pirates fan’s mind is whether their team has what it takes to conquer Africa in the 2024-2025 Caf Champions League.
With a mixture of talented young players and experienced campaigners, the Pirates are setting their sights on glory.
Will they make it all the way to the top? Only time will tell.