Orlando Pirates are currently the leading favourites to become the 2025/26 Betway Premiership champions ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Buccaneers will lift the title if they win both of their remaining two fixtures against Durban City (home) and Orbit College (away).
The result would end Sundowns’ remarkable eight-season dynasty, with the club having won the league every year since 2017/18.
Central to Orlando Pirates’ success this season has been the rise of three outstanding young players: Lebone Seema, Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng. But as is often the case after a successful campaign, the club is likely to lose the trio to teams in Europe or the USA.
OSWIN APPOLLIS
Appollis is enjoyed the best season his career for both club and Bafna Bafana. The 24-year-old winger from Bishop Lavis township in Cape Town has delivered 12 goals and nine assists 41 games.
Appollis is seen as one of the South African players most likely to secure a move abroad because of his seering intelligent decision-making and precision, with Orlando Pirates rejecting an offer for his signature from Chicago Fire this season.
He has regularly caused problems for defenders and has become an important attacking player ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
LEBONE SEEMA
Lebone Seema should easily draw attention from overseas clubs after a strong season at Orlando Pirates, where he has played 26 matches and shone as the best young centre-backs in the league.
What stands out about him is how comfortable he is on the ball for a defender. He is not only strong in the air and in challenges, but he also has the ability to step forward, carry the ball, and pass cleanly.
The 23-year-old from Alexandra, Johannesburg who moved quickly from being a fringe player at TS Galaxy to a regular starter at Orlando Pirates. He proved he can grow and adapt very rapidly.
Seema has also chipped in with a bit of attacking impact. He scored two well-taken goals in important matches for Orlando Pirates, showing he can contribute at both ends when needed.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
Orlando Pirates have already turned down three overseas offers for Relebohile Mofokeng. He nevertheless continued his rise this season with an impressive return of 11 goals and nine assists in 33 appearances.
The 21-year-old School of Excellence product from Sharpeville is the hottest young talent in Africa. Recent reports link him to clubs such as AS Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, and Rangers F.C.
ANY NAMES ORLANDO PIRATES SHOULD TARGET AS REPLACEMENTS?
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