Pirates aim to retain top spot and avenge early-season loss to Sekhukhune

Orlando Pirates will be eager to inflict more misery on Sekhukhune United and avenge their early-season loss when the two teams meet at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday afternoon (3.30 pm kick-off).

Pirates are determined to continue their purple patch in the second half of the season, having been the best team last year. They won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout while finishing 2025 top of the Betway Premiership.

While the Bucs' form told the story of a team eager to end their 13–year drought and Mamelodi Sundowns’ seven-year reign, it nearly faltered – at least under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

Ouaddou lost his first league game to Sekhukhune at home. As a result, outside noise amplified, with calls for his sacking, as many felt he wasn’t the ideal candidate to succeed Jose Riveiro and take the club to greater heights.

That criticism reached fever pitch when Ouaddou lost his second game in a row to his former club, Marumo Gallants, at their home ground. However, sanity prevailed within the club’s board, which kept faith in the Moroccan coach – a decision that paid off as he gained momentum and led the club to dizzying heights in just five months.

While calm and order might define the Pirates’ camp, as shown in their docuseries, BucsCamp, they will not easily forget the shock that Babina Noko caused with that first and only second defeat in the league in 12 matches.

As the two teams prepare to meet in Polokwane, Pirates are not only out for revenge but also aim to retain their top spot on the table after being leapfrogged by Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two games more, during the restart.

Pirates have made a few changes to the core squad from the first half of the season, losing vice–captain and talisman Mbekezeli Mbokazi to MLS side Chicago Fire, while Tshegofatso Mabaso and Sinoxolo Kwayiba have been loaned to Stellenbosch and returned to Chippa United permanently, respectively.

To plug the gaps, Pirates have signed striker Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch, and midfielder Daniel Msendami and defender Mpho Chabatsane from Marumo Gallants.

It may take time for the trio to hit the ground running, which is why Ouaddou will rely on his regulars to inflict more misery on Sekhukhune and potentially derail their top–three ambitions.

Babina Noko restarted the season poorly, losing 1–0 to Stellenbosch at home. They now sit fourth on the table with 25 points, three behind Pirates, who have two games in hand.

Coach Eric Tinkler will also be under pressure, as after facing Pirates, his side will host Sundowns, who will arrive in Polokwane chasing three points, either to leapfrog Pirates or extend their lead at the top of the table.

It is not an ideal situation for Tinkler and his charges, but it will test their resilience against the league’s heavyweights if they hope to be counted among the real contenders this season.

Playing against Pirates should motivate Tinkler further. He had a memorable stint at the club, reaching the final of the CAF Confederation Cup in 2015.

The ginger – haired coach knows he must have ample tricks up his sleeve to achieve success, as Pirates are baying for blood after the early–season defeat and are keen to retain their spot atop the standings.