Orlando Pirates‘ newest arrivals Neo Rapoo and Bohlale Ngwato wasted no time showing why the club signed them after producing eye-catching displays against Spanish outfit Cordoba.
The Buccaneers looked short of ideas in the opening half before coach Abdeslam Ouaddou introduced the pair after the break. Their energy transformed the contest, while substitute Boitumelo Radiopane completed the comeback by scoring the equaliser against the run of play.
The result extended Orlando Pirates‘ encouraging pre-season campaign, but it was the performances of Rapoo and Ngwato that stole the headlines. The duo joined from Siwelele FC after impressive 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaigns.
NEW ORLANDO PIRATES SIGNINGS MAKE THEIR MARK
The two youngsters immediately injected pace, creativity and attacking intent. They combined well down the left flank, delivered dangerous crosses, won set-pieces and helped bring midfielder Simphiwe Selepe into the match after a quiet first half.
Rapoo looked every bit the modern attacking full-back. The 20-year-old played with confidence, overlapped consistently and caused problems every time he ventured forward.
His performance came as no surprise after an outstanding Betway Premiership season with Siwelele FC.
Born in Tsitsing near Rustenburg, Rapoo was spotted as an 11-year-old before joining the SuperSport United academy. The left-back made 26 league appearances and finished with the highest crossing tally in the division after delivering 150 crosses into the penalty area. He finished ahead of AmaZulu FC defender Riaan Hanamub (145) and Mamelodi Sundowns star Aubrey Modiba (127).
He also managed 14 shots on target, highlighting his attacking influence from defence.
BOHLALE NGWATO FAST RISE
Ngwato also announced himself in style after replacing the left winger in the second half.
The 20-year-old from Garankuwa repeatedly attacked defenders, linked well with Rapoo and looked fearless despite wearing one of African football’s biggest shirts.
Nicknamed “John Wick”, the winger first impressed in SuperSport United‘s youth structures before earning his senior breakthrough earlier this year.
He caught Orlando Pirates‘ attention after making only six senior appearances following his debut against Richards Bay FC in the Nedbank Cup in February.
His stock continued to rise after winning his first senior Man of the Match award against Marumo Gallants before scoring his maiden senior goal in May 2026.
Coming up next for the duo and the Buccaneers is another Spanish side, Cadiz CF, on Saturday 18 July at 19:00.
WHAT DO RAPOO AND NGWATO NEED TO DO IN ORDER TO BE CONSISTENT AT ORLANDO PIRATES?
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