It’s early days, but the 2025-2026 Betway Premiership campaign has started appallingly for Orlando Pirates and coach Ouaddou Abdeslam.
The Buccaneers have lost their opening two league matches.
Next up is an MTN8 semi-final against Sundowns.
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Ouaddou is already feeling the heat
It seems crazy to suggest it, but Abdeslam Ouaddou’s job could already be on the line at Orlando Pirates. If they lose in the MTN8 semis against Sundowns on Saturday, that pressure will only crank up a notch. And if they lose more ground in the title race this month, they could already be out of the picture, such is the relentlessness of the pace usually set by the Brazilians at the summit.
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What’s next?
The MTN8 clash against Sundowns is set for Saturday, 16 August at 15:00. Poor results in August’s remaining league fixtures against Stellenbosch, Orbit and Chippa would likely see Abdeslam’s head on the chopping block.
Pirates’ 14 player departures
- Innocent Maela
- Miguel Timm
- Paseka Mako
- Thabiso Monyane
- Ndabayithethwa Phillip Ndlondlo
- Monnapule Saleng
- Mohau Nkota
- Zakhele Lepasa
- Yanga Madiba
- Thuso Molekeki
- Azola Tshobeni
- Karim Kimvuidi
- Goodman Mosele
- Abdoulaye Mariko
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New skipper, bad results
29-year-old Nkosinathi Sibisi will wear the captain’s armband at Pirates in 2025-2026. He was a key figure last season alongside breakout star Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the heart of defence after Thabiso Sesane was struck down with a long-term injury. What happens when Sesane returns will be fascinating, as he might even dislodge the new captain. That’s a nice problem for new boss Ouaddao to have, though. Sibisi made 42 appearances last season across all competitions, including 25 in the league. The Sea Robbers have started this season in awful shape, losing to Sekhukhune and Marumo Gallants.
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Do you think the Pirates boss should fear for his future at the club?
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