Orlando Pirates kicked off their 2025/2026 campaign with a statement victory, sweeping past Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarter-final at Orlando Stadium. Under newly appointed head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, the Buccaneers introduced seven debutants, and the response was electric.
Former Polokwane star Oswin Appollis lit up the pitch against his old club. He opened the scoring in emphatic style and won the penalty that Patrick Maswanganyi converted, underlining his explosive start in Pirates colours.
Midfield revolution as newcomers dominate the park
Sihle Nduli and Sipho Mbule stamped their authority in midfield, running the show on their competitive debuts. The duo’s chemistry gave Pirates complete control in the centre of the park, validating Ouaddou’s bold selection decisions.
From the bench, Tshepang Moremi, Yanela Mbuthuma, and Abdoulaye Mariko also made their first appearances for the Soweto giants, while Boitumelo Radiopane earned a surprise start, seizing the opportunity with a lively performance as the lone striker.
Ouaddou praises hunger and competition for places
Ouaddou acknowledged the hunger his squad displayed, attributing it to the natural desire to impress a new coach.
“You’re right Lorenz. When a new coach comes in, and when I was in their position while I was still a player, you want to impress the coach, and I’m happy about that,” said Ouaddou. “This season the club has decided to go for depth in the squad.”
The Moroccan tactician made it clear that players must earn their opportunities.
“We have to give chances to those who deserve it, I don’t just give chances because I want to please them, if I give chances it’s because you show me in training that you can bring something to the team.”
Ouaddou’s Pirates squad philosophy revealed
Emphasising a team-first mentality, Ouaddou highlighted the need for a strong group dynamic to chase silverware this season.
“To win a game, you need 11 players, but to win the titles, to win competitions, you need a group and it’s the philosophy we want to implement this season.”
He also downplayed the notion of “substitutes”, opting instead to see his entire squad as contributors.
“Everyone will be important, I will never call a player a substitute, I try to avoid that word, they are all impact players.”
With their MTN8 mission off to a strong start. Pirates now gear up for their opening league clash against Sekhukhune United next weekend. Momentum is building in the Buccaneers’ camp. And with fresh faces rising to the occasion, competition for places has never looked fiercer.
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