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Orlando Pirates focuses on domestic matches after advancing in continental tournament
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Orlando Pirates focuses on domestic matches after advancing in continental tournament

The Orlando Pirates team is facing increasing pressure to win the next three matches, starting with the game against Durban City on Thursday evening in the Betway Premiership. The team's goal is to reduce the gap to league leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, and strengthen its position in the title race.

In recent weeks, Pirates were absent from domestic football due to participation in continental competitions. There, they defeated La Cure Waves 3:1 over two matches, allowing them to advance to the next round of the CAF Champions League preliminary qualifiers.

Upon returning, attention shifted to domestic duties ahead of Thursday's match, where the team beat City 2:0. This victory helped reduce Sundowns' seven-point lead to five points, despite Pirates having played two fewer matches.

Coach Abdeslam Wadee, expressing satisfaction with advancing to the next round, was not pleased with his team's result or performance. He noted that the players had ample opportunities to significantly outperform their opponents, but some forwards wasted time on showy actions.

The Moroccan coach even warned that if his players' attitude does not change towards a more constructive approach, he might be forced to stop training, pack his bags, and leave the club.

During an interview for the club's media department ahead of the match against City at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Thursday evening, assistant coach Ryan Jacobs spoke about the team's preparation.

Jacobs stated that the preparation went well. He added that the team emerged from a good performance in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, and this experience was incorporated into their schedule. He also mentioned that the opponents advanced to the next round of the Confederation Cup qualifiers.

Pirates and City previously met this season; Pirates needed extra time to defeat Citizens 2:1 in the MTN8 quarter-finals at Orlando Stadium. Considering previous encounters last season, Jacobs expects a tough contest.

He noted that they required 120 minutes to beat their opponents in the MTN8 match. Jacobs emphasized that they know City will be a difficult opponent because the team is compact and competitive. He also added that City's defense is very tight this season, but the concentration of the Pirates team remains at the same level. The team trained well, allowed the players to recover, and is confident it has done everything necessary to secure three points at home. Jacobs concluded that the clash between City and Pirates will inevitably turn into a renewed rivalry.

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Orlando Pirates coach praises Kabelo Dlamini's return, comparing him to Zinedine Zidane
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iol.co.za

Orlando Pirates coach praises Kabelo Dlamini's return, comparing him to Zinedine Zidane

Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Waddu praises the imminent return of midfielder Kabelo Dlamini, believing that the player will bring necessary creativity to the team. Waddu draws a comparison between Dlamini's technical qualities and those of the legendary French footballer Zinedine Zidane.

CAF Champions League

Dlamini was spotted in training before the second round match of the CAF Champions League preliminary round against La Cure Waves, which will take place at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Previously, he had been sidelined for over a year due to injury.

Dlamini's return comes at a critical time for Pirates, as the team participates in several tournaments this season. They are set to play a match that determines success, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg in Mauritius.

During a press conference before the match, Waddu stated: 'He demonstrates great effort every day to return and work for the team.' He continued, emphasizing the value of players in the midfield: 'I really appreciate the spirit he shows in training. Midfield players are always important—they bring creativity and can find passes in tight spaces that no one else sees. He is a player who makes quick decisions.'

Pirates currently lacks creative solutions after the departure of Relebokhile Mofokeng and Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi during the recent transfer window. Dlamini has received an excellent opportunity to prove himself and make an immediate impact.

Acknowledging that Dlamini's level does not match Zidane's overall level, Waddu noted that the midfielder possesses similar spatial awareness and technical skill to the World Cup winner. Waddu added: 'In this area of the field, you need players who make decisions even before they receive the ball. I don't want to compare him directly to Zinedine Zidane, but Zidane wasn't just fast—he simply knew his next move before the ball arrived. That is the intelligence we need in the center.'

Mohau Nkoty's return to Orlando Pirates delayed due to fitness issues
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iol.co.za

Mohau Nkoty's return to Orlando Pirates delayed due to fitness issues

The return of Bafana Bafana national team winger Mohau Nkoty to the Orlando Pirates squad was significant news for the club; however, his on-field appearance may take some more time as he recovers his full physical condition.

Although the returning forward Mohau Nkoty has started training with the team, reports indicate that he will remain off the player list for some time before becoming available for selection.

Nkoty recently joined the Pirates on a long-term loan after spending a season at Al Ettifac, following a high-profile transfer from Si Rivers at the end of the 2024/2025 season.

While the 'Ghosts' warmly welcomed him on social media, it appears Nkoty is still far from his first match. He has not yet regained his athletic form and has not fully recovered from a knee injury that prematurely ended his season and forced him to miss the Bafana Bafana national team's World Cup.

The upcoming FIFA international window, which includes African Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea at the Orlando Amstel Arena on September 30th and against Eritrea at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo, as well as a friendly match against Egypt at the Cairo International Stadium on October 4th, will provide Nkoty with an important period for conditioning recovery.

'Pirates' are in urgent need of players with Nkoty's abilities, as the club suffered a serious blow in recent months due to several high-profile departures, including Relebokhile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi, and Deano van Ruyen.

Coach Abdeslam Waddu successfully navigated the team through this transition by integrating young players and newcomers. His tactical changes have paid off: the Pirates reached the MTN8 tournament final against Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10th and currently hold second place in the Betway Premiership table with 13 points, trailing Sundowns, who played an extra match.

In the near future, the Pirates will host La Cour Waves in an important preliminary match of the CAF Champions League first round at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, following a 0-0 draw in the first match.

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