As the new football season edges closer, all eyes are on Orlando Pirates.
After wrapping up an intense pre-season tour in Spain, the Buccaneers are heading straight into competitive action this weekend—and they’ve got a title to defend.
The MTN8 is back, and Pirates will be looking to kick things off in style when they take on Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium.
New Coach, New Signings, New Ambitions
It’s a fresh chapter for the Soweto giants.
Orlando Pirates come into the 2025/26 campaign with 11 new signings and a brand-new face on the touchline—Abdeslam Ouaddou.
The former Morocco international will be making his official debut as head coach, and the pressure’s on to hit the ground running.
Their Spanish pre-season included matchups against clubs like Granada and Las Palmas, giving the squad some solid run time together.
A Solid 2024/25, But More Is Expected
Last season, the Sea Robbers finished second in the Betway Premiership, trailing behind league champions Mamelodi Sundowns. Their only piece of silverware? The MTN8.
That puts even more emphasis on defending this particular title—especially as fans and management alike expect to build on last season’s momentum.
Chasing History in the MTN8
Here’s what makes this year’s MTN8 really exciting—Orlando Pirates have won four of the last five editions.
That’s no small feat. And if they win again this year, they’ll close in on rivals Kaizer Chiefs’ record.
Even more impressive? No team has ever won the tournament four times in a row, so Pirates could make history if they pull it off.
Kick-Off Details You Need to Know
The match between Orlando Pirates and Polokwane City will take place this Saturday, August 2, at Orlando Stadium.
Kick-off is scheduled for 3:00 PM, marking the official start of the 2025/26 football season.
The Betway Premiership, by the way, only begins a week later—so this game is the season curtain-raiser.
Possible Starting XI for the Buccaneers
Here’s a look at how the team might line up this weekend:
-
Goalkeeper: Sipho Chaine
-
Right Back: Deano van Rooyen
-
Centre Backs: Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezile Mbokazi
-
Left Back: Deon Hotoo
-
Defensive Midfield: Makhehlene Makhaula
-
Central Midfield: Sipho Mbule
-
Attacking Midfield: Sinoxolo Kwayiba
-
Left Wing: Oswin Appollis
-
Right Wing: Relebohile Mofokeng
-
Striker: Tshegofatso Mabasa
Home Advantage and a Strong Record
It’s worth noting that the Pirates haven’t lost an MTN8 match since 2023—when they fell to Stellenbosch at home.
Still, they won that tie on aggregate. Their recent form in this competition is solid, and they’ll be playing in front of a packed home crowd at Orlando Stadium.
That’s a big boost.
So, Who’s Got the Edge?
With fresh signings, a new coach, and strong form in the MTN8, Orlando Pirates are the favourites heading into this match.
But Polokwane City won’t be an easy opponent, and it’s still early days in the season.