Orlando Pirates to face AmaZulu in Premier League as they try to maintain season momentum

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.

Former Bafana Bafana forward Lekhlokhonoalo Majoro believes that the upcoming Betway Premiership season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent times due to increased competition.

Majoro told IOL in an exclusive interview that watching Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Kaizer Chiefs take the first, second, and third spots, respectively, is encouraging for football fans, as such a structure in the league table has not been seen in a long time.

He is well acquainted with the pressure of a big football pitch, as during his prime from 2011 to 2016 he played for Chiefs and Pirates, as well as for AmaZulu, Bidvest Wits, and Cape Town City, and also spent five years with the national team.

Before Pirates managed to overthrow Sundowns last season, who held eight consecutive championship titles, Majoro emphasizes that a more balanced and competitive league ultimately raises the standard of South African football as a whole, despite Masandawana remaining the benchmark thanks to their deep bench.

Majoro noted that he does not diminish the merits of other teams, mentioning that AmaZulu under coach Arthur demonstrates serious intentions. He also highlighted Sekhukhune and Polokwane as unexpected strengths, and noted that Stellenbosch finished outside the top eight for the first time, and is confident they will want to return to the top eight.

Despite public discussions often focusing on the 'Big Three', Majoro insists that the overall standard across the division has reached new heights. In his opinion, there is no longer such a thing as 'small teams', and any team willing to put in extra effort for three points will get them.

However, when asked about the title prediction, Majoro supported his former team in retaining the trophy, stating that he does not doubt that the 'Big Three' will fight until the end, and hopes to see Orlando Pirates defend their cup again this season.

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.