Orlando Pirates
There aren’t many football teams as iconic as Orlando Pirates in South Africa. The team comes from Soweto and has become an institution in South African football.
The Buccaneers, as they are known, are one of only two teams to have ever won the treble, with Mamelodi Sundowns being the other in 2019-2020 and 2021-2022. They compete in local tournaments as well as internationally in the CAF Champions League. Furthermore, Orlando Pirates gained entry to the competition after winning the league last season.
History of the Buccaneers
Orlando Pirates Football Club was established 89 years ago in 1937. At the time, they were called the Orlando Boys Club, but the name subsequently changed over the years. In addition, the club’s origins have close ties to community leader and social activist James Mpanza.
The club continues to play an important part in the sporting, cultural and social history of Soweto. Over the years, Pirates have also picked up several famous nicknames. These include the Bucs, the Happy People, Amabhakabhaka and Ezimnyama Ngenkani, which translates to “black in force”.
Orlando stadium and club identity
The Orlando Stadium, now known as the Amstel Stadium, has been home to Pirates since it was built in 1959. Their black and white jersey is recognised throughout South Africa. At the same time, their famous slogan of “once a Buccaneer, always a Buccaneer” shows just how loyal their fans are.
Another way to spot a Pirates supporter is through the famous Makarapa. Makarapas are crafted hard hats that have been hand painted in the team’s classic black and white colours. The tradition dates back to when hard hats were worn by supporters as protection. Over time, however, they became an important part of South African football culture.
In addition, the club’s skull and crossbones logo is often painted onto the hats. As a result, Makarapas have become closely associated with football supporters and the colourful atmosphere around South African matches.
Famous former players
The club is synonymous with having some of the very best players from Mzansi and has featured many famous names over the years. For example, Jomo Sono played for the club and remains deeply connected to Pirates, although he later went on to create his own club, Jomo Cosmos.
Football legend Mark Fish is another high-ranking former player. In particular, Fish played an instrumental role in the club’s CAF Champions League win in 1995. Consequently, he remains one of the most famous players to have worn the Pirates shirt.
Domestic and African achievements
Very few teams can claim the achievements that Pirates can. The team is one of the most successful and coveted clubs in South African football. Furthermore, the Buccaneers have enjoyed success both domestically and on the African continent.
Their most successful year was 2010, which fans fondly refer to as the “Happy Year”. During this memorable campaign, the Bucs won the Premiership, the MTN8, the Nedbank Cup and the Telkom Knockout tournament.
More recently, last season saw the Pirates break Mamelodi Sundowns’ eight-season winning streak by winning the Premier Soccer League. The Sea Robbers, as they are sometimes called, also won three major competitions last year. The other two were the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup.
As a result, Orlando Pirates have trophies from every major football competition in South Africa. Therefore, the Buccaneers remain one of the country’s most successful football clubs.
Current squad and head Coach
Abdeslam Ouaddou is the current coach of the Buccaneers and took over the reins in 2025. The 47 year old Moroccan played as a defensive midfielder for Fulham and captained the Moroccan team in the early 2000s. He later joined the Algerian national team as an apprentice coach in 2020.
The Orlando Pirates players for the 2026/2027 season are:
Goal Keepers
- Sipho Chaine
- Siyabonga Dladla
- Zoey Monyepao
Defenders
- Nkosikhona Ndaba
- Tapelo Xoki
- Deon Hotto
- Nkosikhona Ndaba
- Makhehleni Makhaula
- Kabelo Dlamini
- Thalente Mbatha
- Simphiwe Selepe
Forwards
- Evidence Makgopa
- Boitumelo Radiopane
- Yanela Mbuthuma
- Tshepang Moremi
2026/27 Fixtures
The 2026/2027 roster of matches for Orlando Pirates is bumper-packed and includes matches in the Premiership, MTN8, CAF Champions League, the Carling Knockout Cup and the Nedbank Cup.
With so many competitions on the calendar, there are several Orlando Pirates fixtures worth watching. These include:
- CAF Champions League First Qualifying Round, Leg One: La Cure Sylvester vs Orlando Pirates – 6 September
- CAF Champions League First Qualifying Round, Leg Two: Orlando Pirates vs La Cure Sylvester – 12 September
- Durban City vs Orlando Pirates – 16 September
- MTN8 Final: Pirates vs Mamelodi Sundowns – 10 October
- Soweto Derby: Kaizer Chiefs vs Pirates – 31 October at FNB Stadium
- Mamelodi Sundowns vs Pirates – 9 January 2027
As the season progresses, these fixtures will become increasingly important. In particular, the Soweto Derby and CAF Champions League matches should attract plenty of attention from South African football fans.
Current form and season expectations
The Bucs come into the new season with plenty of momentum following the success of last season. At present, they top the log alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and rank better because of their goals for and against.
Furthermore, recent Orlando Pirates results in the MTN8 will make for an interesting final on 31 October against Mamelodi Sundowns. With the team carrying strong momentum into the new campaign, expectations are understandably high.
The Bucs are expected to reach the knockout stage of the CAF Champions League and finish in the top three of the Premier Soccer League. However, they will face plenty of competition throughout the season, particularly from rivals such as Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
Orlando Pirates betting markets
Orlando Pirates betting offers many different markets. Therefore, fans looking to bet on the Bucs will have several options available to them. Here are a few popular bets when it comes to betting on Orlando Pirates.
Match Result – Bet on Orlando Pirates to win, draw or lose. This is one of the most straightforward markets, particularly when the Buccaneers are strong favourites. In addition, it can be useful for fans who simply want to back the result of the match.
Over/Under Goals – Predict whether the match will have more or fewer goals than a set line. For example, Over/Under 2.5 Goals is a particularly common option. This market can therefore be an alternative to simply backing the match result.
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) – Bet on whether both Orlando Pirates and their opponents will score at least once. As a result, this can be a great market when both teams regularly create scoring opportunities and play attacking football.
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Soweto Derby rivalry
South Africa’s biggest football rivalry comes between two clubs from Johannesburg. Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs have been playing against each other in the Soweto Derby since 1970.
The Derby has subsequently become one of the biggest fixtures on the South African football calendar. In fact, it is a must-watch match for many football fans who do not support either team.
The first Derby of the season takes place on 31 October at FNB Stadium. Meanwhile, the second Soweto Derby will take place in 2027 on 13 March. Therefore, South African football fans have two huge meetings between the Soweto rivals to look forward to.
FAQ – Orlando Pirates
The Orlando Pirates head coach is Abdeslam Ouaddou, who took charge of the Buccaneers in 2025.
Orlando Pirates traditionally play in black and white. In addition, their famous skull-and-crossbones branding reflects the club’s Buccaneers identity.
The Buccaneers have won the CAF Champions League once. They lifted the trophy in 1995 after defeating ASEC Mimosas in the final.
The club’s biggest domestic rivalry is with Kaizer Chiefs. Their Soweto Derby meetings are among the most-watched and anticipated football matches in South Africa.
Yes. Orlando Pirates are one of the most successful teams in the MTN8 and have won the competition multiple times, including the 2025 edition.