Orlando Pirates v Orbit College: Buccaneers face PSL debutants
Orlando Pirates gears up for a first-ever showdown with Orbit College at Orlando Stadium.
The stage is set for a brand-new chapter in the Premier Soccer League as Orlando Pirates welcome Orbit College to Orlando Stadium on Tuesday, 26 August, for their first-ever competitive meeting.
The Buccaneers are aiming to build on their recent revival under Abdeslam Ouaddou, who steadied the ship with a narrow 1-0 victory over Stellenbosch after opening defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants. That win was followed by a dramatic MTN8 semi-final triumph over Mamelodi Sundowns, where Kamogelo Sebelebele’s equalisers in both legs fired Pirates into a fourth consecutive final.
Ouaddou, aware of pressure from the fanbase, acknowledged supporters’ frustrations:
“When fans are not happy because you are not winning, I understand them. My only response is to work harder, with passion and silence.”
For Orbit College, the North West newcomers have already made headlines this season. After falling to AmaZulu on opening day, they secured a historic maiden win over Siwelele, before being handed a harsh lesson in a 3-0 defeat to Sekhukhune. Pogiso Makhoye’s men sit just behind Pirates on goal difference, with both sides locked on three points after three matches.
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Players to Watch
- Orlando Pirates: Relebohile Mofokeng remains a creative spark, while Sebelebele’s goal-scoring form makes him a real danger.
- Orbit College: Defensive discipline will be vital. Thulani Jingana, under scrutiny after errors against Babina Noko, must tighten up at the back.
Head-to-Head & Form Notes
- First-ever meeting between Pirates and Orbit College.
- Pirates’ recent record against newly promoted sides: Played 3, Won 1, Drawn 1, Lost 1.
- Pirates unbeaten in their last two matches in all competitions.
- Orbit College have one win from three league outings.
Kick-off: 19:30 CAT (SA, GMT+2), Orlando Stadium
With Ouaddou under pressure to deliver consistency and Orbit College determined to prove they belong at the top level, Tuesday night promises a clash of ambition and resilience.
