Orlando Pirates aim for fifth consecutive MTN8 title, motivated by desire to maintain success

Following intensive training outside the country in Austria, Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso stated that the camp positively influenced the team's morale.

It is easy to assume that Orlando Pirates will win the fifth consecutive Wafa Wafa Cup, given their recent four victories in MTN8. However, based on past season results across all competitions and squad retention, Mamelodi Sundowns, rather than Pirates, are the clear favorites for the MTN8 title this season.

Pirates started the campaign well, defeating Milford FC 2-0 in the Betway Premiership title defense. This boosted morale as the team aims to defend all three of its trophies, including the Carling Knockout.

Nevertheless, their play did not demonstrate a convincing intent to dominate the league this season. The team lacked cohesion and fluidity, allowing new players to look good and show they are not in the top division merely to fill spots.

Coach Abdeslam Wadee openly commented on his team's performance, admitting that they have not yet become a cohesive unit, despite spending over two weeks in intensive training in Marbella, Spain, where they played friendlies against notable opponents like Al-Ittihad.

In his admission, Wadee seemed to send an indirect signal to the management about the need to reduce their bloated squad to a manageable size after signing more than eight new players, including Sibangani Zulu, Neo Rapa, Mtheteleni Mthiyane, Sebastian Pardesena, and Bolale Ngwato.

If they cannot reduce the squad, the Moroccan emphasized that they would require at least two training bases—a precarious situation that would overload the coaching staff.

Wadee is right. Although he may require greater squad depth than last season, he still needs a core, proven group. Defending the league title remains his priority, but performing successfully in all tournaments, including the CAF Champions League, is equally important.

Continental performance distinguishes professionals from amateurs. After Pirates were eliminated in the qualifiers last season, early critics called for Wadee's dismissal. Nevertheless, the coach responded confidently, silencing skeptics with an MTN8 victory.

This success, achieved in four matches, seemed an easy feat. He will likely want to ensure a strong start to the current season by aiming to beat Durban City in the MTN8 quarter-finals at their home ground, Orlando Amstel Arena.

However, the character of his team will be tested as the tournament progresses, given the high expectations and overall ambitions.

The time has come for MTN8 2026/27, and The Brazilians are ready for another battle for trophies. The Mamelodi Sundowns team faced dark clouds following the tragic death of Jayden Adams after his return from the successful North American World Cup with Bafana Bafana. Nevertheless, after a period of intensive training in Austria, coach Miguel Cardoso stated that this camp boosted the team's morale, allowing them to gather and focus on the upcoming season.

Unlike Pirates, they have not yet found their rhythm in national football, as their first league match against Marumo Gallants was postponed by the PSL following Adams' death.

Starting the MTN8 campaign against Polokwane City on Saturday evening, The Brazilians will bring an element of surprise to their squad. Furthermore, they maintain continuity, relying on the momentum of the previous season. They signed only two players, Siyandu Ndlovu and Antonio Van Wyk, while notably releasing Peter Shalulile—unlike Pirates, who parted ways with more than 10 players, including PSL season player Relebokhile Mofokeng.

For Sundowns, the national season is about returning, not consolidating positions, which simplifies their focus. They lost their eight-year league championship dominance to Pirates after finishing second.

Former South African national team forward Lekhlonololo Majoro believes that the Orlando Pirates team intends to use the MTN8 quarter-final against Durban City to rectify the disappointing draw from last season.

According to Majoro, before the quarter-final match against Durban City—a team that almost denied Pirates the championship due to a draw when they needed three points—it is a great opportunity to correct the mistake. He made this statement in an exclusive interview with IOL.

Last season, Pirates managed to interrupt the nearly ten-year dominance of Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership and are striving to continue this success. The team started the new season with a convincing 2-0 victory over Milford FC last week, demonstrating high activity.

Majoro noted that 'they have shown that they are still in attacking mode by winning their first league match.' He added that the upcoming match promises to be very interesting, and he believes that Pirates can maintain the momentum of last season and continue to win.

Majoro is well acquainted with the pressure of the big football pitch, as he played for Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates between 2011 and 2016, and also played for AmaZulu, Bidvest Wits, and Cape Town City in the top league, earning 13 caps for the national team.

Before Pirates dethroned Sundowns, they held eight consecutive league titles. Although Masandawana remain the benchmark due to their strong squad depth, Majoro emphasizes that a more competitive league ultimately raises the standard of South African football as a whole.

He also commented on other teams, stating: 'Without diminishing other teams—we have seen AmaZulu under coach Arthur, who are trying to show that they are not just there for show.' Majoro mentioned that Sekhukhune is one of the contenders, Polokwane has always surprised, and Stellenbosch did not make the top eight for the first time. He is confident that Stellies will fight desperately to return to the top eight and restore winning traditions.

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.