Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates begin their title defence against Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The games kicks off on Saturday, 1 August, at 15:00.
ORLANDO PIRATES SQUAD TAKES SHAPE
The Buccaneers put several new faces through their paces, while the club still expects its latest signings, Sebastian Pedersen and Thapelo Mokobodi, to join the squad on Thursday.
The 35 players spotted at training were Deano Van Rooyen, Kamogelo Sebelebele, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Lebone Seema, Cristian Derbyshire, Sbangani Zulu, Tapelo Xoki, Mpho Chabatsane, Mpho Mphekgoane, Deon Hotto, Nkosikhona Ndaba, Neo Rapoo, Reece Braithwaite, Sihle Nduli, Makhehleni Makhaula, Simphiwe Selepe, Mtheleleli Mthiyane, Thalente Mbatha, Masindi Nemtajela, Abdoulaye Mariko, Cemran Dansin, Matome Mmolai, Simphiwe Masilela, Patrick Maswanganyi, Andre De Jong, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi, Bohlale Ngwato, Ghampani Lungu, Daniel Msendami, Kabelo Kgositsile (back from loan at Baroka FC), Mpho Padima, Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane and Yanela Mbuthuma.
Notably, no goalkeepers were part of the group, with the session consisting entirely of outfield players. The training squad also included five players promoted from the club’s DStv Diski Challenge reserve side: Cristian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela, Mpho Padima, Reece Braithwaite and Mpho Mphekgoane.
Meanwhile, Sebastian Pedersen and Thapelo Mokobodi are expected to report for training on Thursday after completing their moves to the Soweto giants.
NEW SIGNIGNS
Orlando Pirates head into the new Betway Premiership campaign carrying the weight of expectation after lifting the league title last season.
The club has strengthened aggressively during the transfer window, making nine signings despite losing star winger Relebohile Mofokeng to Europe. Among the arrivals is the Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen. He is expected to add a new dimension in attack with his clinical finishing. Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Sbangani Zulu, Bohlale Ngwato and Matome Mmolai have added more quality across the pitch.
The Buccaneers also wrapped up permanent deals for Mtheleleli Mthiyane and Thapelo Mokobodi. Aphiwe Baliti signed before he was loaned Siwelele FC.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddout has a deeper squad at his disposal. He will be hoping his side can defend the Betway Premiership crown. The Sea Robbers will also challenge in the CAF Champions League. The visit of Milford FC this weekend will offer the first glimpse of whether the revamped Buccaneers are ready to meet those expectations.
