Lekhlonololo Majoro believes Orlando Pirates aims to get revenge on Durban City in MTN8 match

During the quarter-final match of the MTN8 2026 tournament, held on a Saturday at the Orlando Amstel Arena stadium, Orlando Pirates defeated Durban City 2-1 after extra time, securing their place in the MTN8 semi-finals.

The key moment was a goal by Gampani Lungu in the 120th minute, which allowed Orlando Pirates to overcome significant difficulties and beat Durban City while playing with ten men.

MTN8 Tournament

In the first half, the match was marred by an incident committed by Durban City midfielder Brooklyn Poggenpole. He failed to control a pass within his penalty area, losing the ball to Tshepanga Moremi. Following this, the player fouled a Pirates forward, forcing the referee to award a penalty and show Poggenpole a red card in the 35th minute.

Patrick Maswangani calmly converted the penalty, allowing Pirates to take the lead. With the numerical advantage, the 'Bucaneers' took control of the game and dominated possession in front of the home crowd. In the first 45 minutes, Pirates created nine scoring opportunities but were unable to increase their lead, leaving Durban City within striking distance.

The hosts faced another problem during halftime when captain Nkosinathi Sibisi was forced off the field due to injury. His absence apparently disrupted Pirates' defensive organization and gave Durban City renewed confidence, despite being outnumbered.

The visitors capitalized on this eight minutes into the second half. Jean Lvamba found himself in the right position in the box and finished the ball after excellent work down the flank by Gaston Cirino, leveling the score.

Pirates increased the pressure, but the defensive resilience of Durban City continued to frustrate the defending champions. Durban City, playing with ten men, held firm until the end of regular time, forcing the quarter-final into extra time. Hopes for a major comeback grew with each passing minute, as Pirates struggled to break through.

However, it was Lungu who ultimately decided the outcome of the dramatic confrontation. The substitute scored the decisive goal in the 119th minute, allowing Pirates to advance to the final. This victory helps Abselam Waddu's team maintain hopes of winning the MTN8 title for the fifth season in a row.

The Betway Premiership 2026/27 season kicks off this weekend. Last season's champions, Orlando Pirates, take to the field in unfamiliar conditions, while Kaizer Chiefs start a new campaign under a new coach.

Start of the Season and Tragedy

However, the start of the season is overshadowed by grief. The match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Marumo Gallants was postponed following the tragic death of midfielder Jayden Adams, which affected the team's preparation for the season.

Orlando Pirates and Title Defense

At Orlando Stadium, Orlando Pirates are changing their role from hunters to prey. After ending a 14-year drought in the championship last season, the 'Bucaneers' open their title defense against recently promoted side Milford FC on Saturday.

Ahead of the upcoming clash, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou emphasized that his team cannot afford to dwell on past achievements. He acknowledged the pride in the success achieved after 14 years of waiting but added that new goals must be set as the new season has begun.

Speaking about his transition from an unknown specialist to the current PSL Coach of the Season, Ouaddou focused on maintaining the team's domestic dominance. He stated that individual play is important for the players, but the collective must remain ambitious and hungry for titles and competitions. His main motivation in football is winning and conquering trophies.

Kaizer Chiefs and New Plans

Expectations are also high in Soweto for Kaizer Chiefs as Fernando da Cruz prepares for his first official league match. The Amakhosi team will travel to Mbombela Stadium to face recently promoted Kruger United, aiming to convert encouraging pre-season results into three points in the opening game.

Da Cruz expressed satisfaction with his squad's progress after a demanding pre-season schedule that included a tour of Spain and a serious match in the Toyota Cup. He noted that the players' morale is very good, and although the season promises to be long and challenging, they are determined to start it on a positive note.

Since Chiefs have struggled to score goals in recent campaigns despite having a solid defensive structure, Da Cruz reported that implementing a flexible, modern attacking system remains his top priority. He stressed that the team is working on attack across the entire squad, not just forwards and wingers, paying attention to the transition moment in attack. He also warned that the players will need time to master the playing model, both offensively and defensively, and they aim to become a team capable of playing in various styles of football.

Orlando Pirates demonstrated near-total success at the PSL Awards 2025/26 ceremony, securing the overwhelming majority of prestigious awards during the event, which was broadcast on SuperSport on Monday evening.

Season Success and Club Awards

Following a successful season where the team won three trophies—Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout, and MTN8—the 'Sea Robbers' solidified their status as the best club in the country by dominating the awards ceremony.

Orlando Pirates won the awards for 'Player of the Year,' 'Players' Player of the Year,' 'Midfielder of the Year,' 'Defender of the Year,' 'Goalkeeper of the Year,' 'Young Player of the Year,' and 'Goal of the Year.' Additionally, mentor Abdeslam Waddu was recognized as Coach of the Year.

Key Individual Achievements

The main award went to Relobokhile Mofokeng, who has currently moved to Belgian Pro League club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise. The 21-year-old footballer was also named Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year.

The only category the 'Bucs' failed to win was the Top Scorer award, which went to Sede Junior Dionu from Golden Arrows for 14 goals scored during the campaign.

Honourable Awards

During the solemn event, Dr. Irwin Khoza presented the PSL Presidential Award in memory of the late Jayden Adams from the clubs Bafana Bafana and Mamelodi Sundowns.

PSL Awards 2025/26 Winners List

Various winners across different tournaments were announced during the ceremony. Among them: Relobokhile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates) was recognized as the Betway Premiership Player of the Year and Betway Premiership Players' Player of the Year. Oswin Appolis (Orlando Pirates) became Midfielder of the Year, and Lebone Seleme (Orlando Pirates) was named Defender of the Year.

Sifo Chain (Orlando Pirates) was chosen as the Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Year, and Cemran Dansin (Orlando Pirates) as Goal of the Year. Abdeslam Waddu (Orlando Pirates) was recognized as Coach of the Year.

In the Motsepe Foundation Championship, Emile Witbui (Cape Town City) received the Players' Player of the Year award, Mickey van den Hart (Cape Town City) as Goalkeeper of the Year, and Gabriel Amato (Cape Town City) as Young Player of the Year. In this same league, Ntutuko Mlothswa (Lerumo Lions) and Ronaldo van Neel (Hungry Lion) were the Top Scorers.

Bennett Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns) was the winner in the DStv Diski Challenge, also taking home the DStv Diski Challenge Top Scorer title. Darren Kith (Durban City) received the Nedbank Cup Tournament Player award, and Seluleko Malambi (TS Galaxy) was named Most Promising Player.

In the Carling Knockout, Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates) was the winner, and in the MTN8, Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates) was the winner. Finally, the PSL Presidential Award was presented to Jayden Adams (Mamelodi Sundowns).