The Sea Robbers have been busy cleaning house over the last couple of weeks following a disappointing 2021/22 season.

The club revealed the departures of co-coach Fadlu Davids and former Bafana Bafana skipper Thulani Hlatshwayo last week, before a busy start to the week saw the club announce the departures of Kwanda Mngonyama, Abel Mabaso, Justice Chabalala, Elson Sithole, Wayne Sandilands and Thabang Monare.

They also announced the arrivals Evidence Makgopa, Bienvenu Eva Nga, Miguel Timm and Azola Matrose.

The changes have continued at the end of the week with the club announcing Mntambo and Nyauza departures with a statement on the website.

☠️ 📰 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 | 𝗠𝗡𝗧𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗢 & 𝗡𝗬𝗔𝗨𝗭𝗔 📰

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⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#ThankYouLinda #ThankYouNtsiki#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/Bnl6hxLf3D

— Orlando Pirates FC (@orlandopirates) June 23, 2022

“Orlando Pirates Football Club can confirm that midfielder Linda Mntambo has moved to Sekhukhune United after agreeing terms with the Club,” read the statment. 

“Mntambo, who joined the Club in 2018 having had spells at Jomo Cosmos and Chippa United, went on to register 71 appearances for the Buccaneers in all competitions, scoring 8 times and recording 6 assists.

“The 33-year-old will be missed in the Bucs changeroom for the positive spirit that he bought in the squad. Although he leaves us as a player today, there is no doubt that he will return to his boyhood club one day to serve in a different capacity.

“Meanwhile, orlandopiratesfc.com can confirm the amicable parting of ways with Ntsikelelo Nyauza following a meeting between both parties on Wednesday.

“The 32-year-old defender has been at the heart of the Bucs defence since joining in 2013. After Captain Happy Jele, “Ntsiki” as he is affectionately known was the second most experienced player at the Club with 192 appearances under his belt, including 7 goals and 4 assists.

“The Club would like to thank both Mntambo and Nyauza for their contribution and professionalism they displayed during their time with us, and we wish them both all the best for the future.

The post Mntambo, Nyauza latest stars to leave Pirates appeared first on SportsClub.

The game got off to a bright start with both teams trying to get their rhythm early on hoping to find an opening goal in the early exchanges.

Pirates had a chance to break the deadlock in the 10th minute when Deon Hotto did well to beat his marker before laying it off for Kabelo Dlamini, who was beaten to the ball.

The Saoura goalkeeper was called into action in the 22nd minute when he came off his line to deny Goodman Mosele, who pounced on to a loose ball in the middle of the box.

Richard Ofori kept his side in the game when he came to Pirates’ rescue in the 36th minute, making a fine diving save to deny the home side.

The Buccaneers had a chance to lead, but Dlamini’s ambitious effort sailed well wide of target as the game went into the break locked at 0-0.

Pirates started the second half on the front foot when they took the lead four minutes in, after Ntsikelelo Nyauza was on hand to head the ball into the back of the net.

The visitors doubled their lead in the 51st minute when Shandu picked out an unmarked Dlamini, who slotted the ball home with ease to make it 2-0.

Pirates had a chance to grab their third goal in the 62nd minute when Hotto darted down the left flank before playing a square ball to Peprah, who was a second to late.

The Buccaneers made their first substitution in the 69th minute as Terrence Dzvukamanja was brought on for Dlamini, followed by Fortune Makaringe replacing Peprah eight minutes later before Innocent Maela came on for Shandu in the 84th minute.

The home side had a chance to reduce the deficit in stoppage time but Saadi drew a comfortable save out of Ofori, before Mako forced the Saoura keeper into making a save to stop his powerful strike moments later.

Pirates managed to hold on to their two-goal lead until the final whistle to book their place in the next round of the Confederation Cup.

The post Pirates seal spot in Caf Confederation Cup quarter-finals appeared first on SportsClub.

Stellies got off to the perfect start and opened the scoring in the third minute through a stunning strike from Waseem Isaacs before Deon Hotto equalised in the 18th minute with a superb free kick.

Pirates were then reduced to 10-men when Ntsikelelo Nyauza was shown a straight red card for elbowing and stomping on Ashley Du Preez, but despite being a man down Pirates managed to take the lead through Vincent Pule.

However, Judas Moseamedi earned his side a point after bagging his first goal for his new club with a glancing header in the 55th minute as both teams settled for a 2-2 draw at the Orlando Stadium.

WATCH: Orlando Pirates 2-2 Stellenbosch FC

The post Highlights: 10-man Pirates drop points in DStv Premiership opener appeared first on SportsClub.

Josef Zinnbauer made four changes to their goalless draw against the same opponents as Tshegofatso Mabasa and Kabelo Dlamini were handed starts, which also saw the return of Happy Jele and Deon Hotto.

Both teams got off to a slow start and were trying to find their rhythm in the opening exchanges of the match.

Dean Hotto produced the first real chance at goal in the 22nd minute when he unleashed a strike from outside the box, which missed the target.

Pirates did manage to broke the deadlock four minutes later through Ntsikelelo Nyauza, whose low strike found the back of the net from a resulting corner kick.

The Buccaneers then doubled their lead just before the break after Mabasa’s glancing header at the near post came off Al Ahli defender Aboubakr Meeld, who guided the ball into his own net.

Dlamini made it 3-0 in favour of Pirates in the 69th minute when he beat Ateya with a close range finish after collecting a rebound from Mabasa’s initial strike.

Zinnbauer opted to make a double change moments later as Dlamini came off for Vincent Pule, while Hotto made way for Abel Mabaso, respectively.

Pule had a chance to get his name on the score sheet in stoppage time but Ateya made a great save to keep out the substitute’s effort as Pirates held on to secure all three points and move one step closer to booking their place in the next round of the competition.

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Delle submitted his request for a transfer after failing to adjust to his new surroundings, having made only four appearances across all competitions since joining Pirates from Feyenoord Rotterdam in 2019.

The 30-year-old’s contract has now been terminated with immediate effect as he seeks a return to Europe.

The Buccaneers also confirmed that Shonga has left the club and will now join DStv Premiership newcomers Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM).

‘Orlando Pirates Football Club has parted ways with goalkeeper Joris Delle as per the player’s request,’ Pirates confirmed on the club’s official website.

‘After spending a year in South Africa, Delle has submitted a request in writing citing his inability to adjust to his new surroundings and wants to return to Europe. The club met the player this morning and has acceded to the 30-year old’s request,’ confirmed the club.

‘His contract has been terminated with immediate effect,’ the Buccaneers added.

The Soweto giants also confirmed that Ntsikelelo Nyauza has signed a new deal with the club and that Luvuyo Memela will soon follow the defender by extending his stay at Pirates.

‘Defender Ntsikelelo Nyauza has put pen to paper on a new deal that will see the 30-year old extend his stay on board the Bucs ship for a further three seasons,’ Pirates confirmed.

‘Meanwhile, the club is still in talks with 33-year old Luvuyo Memela over extending his stay at the club, however, the two parties are yet to reach an agreement.’

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The Buccaneers will be in search of revenge after Amakhosi edged them 3-2 in the last Soweto derby encounter at the FNB Stadium on 9 November 2019.

Pirates currently sit in third place in the Absa Premiership standings with 39 points after 21 matches played. They trail log-leaders Chiefs by six points, having played one more game than Ernst Middendorp’s men.

A win for the Sea Robbers will take them above Mamelodi Sundowns and up to second place on the league table, reducing Amakhosi’s lead to just three points.

Josef Zinnbauer will be hoping striker Gabadinho Mhango will be at his best against their rivals, having already found the back of the net in the league on 14 times this season.

Kick-off is scheduled for 3:30pm.

Take a look at Orlando Pirates’ predicted starting XI:

Goalkeeper

Wayne Sandilands

Defenders

Happy Jele (c), Innocent Maela, Ntsikelelo Nyauza

Midfielders 

Ben Motshwari,  Abel Mabaso, Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule

Forwards

Thembinkosi Lorch, Luvuyo Mamela, Gabadinho Mhango.

The post Predicted Pirates starting XI vs Chiefs appeared first on SportsClub.

Ernst Middendorp’s men came into this encounter after stretching their lead at the top of the league standings to seven points, following their 2-0 victory over Chippa United on Wednesday evening.

Rhulani Mokwena’s side, meanwhile, extended their winless run to two games following their goalless draw with Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

The last time the two sides met, Amakhosi came out on top after securing a 4-2 win on penalties in the Telkom Knockout Cup last weekend.

Amakhosi got off to the perfect start and took the lead after 45 seconds when Ntsikelelo Nyauza nodded the ball into his own net.

Pirates nearly levelled matters in the second minute as Fortune Makaringe rattled the woodwork with his powerful stroke from distance.

Khama Billiat had a chance to double his side’s lead in the 15th minute but the Amakhosi attacker blazed his effort wide of target.

Wayne Sandilands came to his side’s rescue in the 22nd minute when he tipped away Samir Nurkovic’s effort at goal.

Chiefs then doubled their lead five minutes later when Leonardo Castro headed the ball into the bottom corner.

The Buccaneers managed to level matters after 39 minutes when Vincent Pule pulled a goal back from a stunning free kick.

The game went into half time with Amakhosi taking a 2-1 lead over Pirates.

Middendorp opted to make an early change in the second half when he introduced Dumisani Zuma, who came on to replace Castro.

Thembinkosi Lorch should have equalised in the 51st minute but saw his header crash off the upright from close range.

The Buccaneers’ persistence paid off and levelled matters eight minutes later through a superb strike from Gabadinho Mhango.

The home side made their second change of the game after 62 minutes when Siphosakhe Ntiya-Ntiya replaced George Maluleka in the midfield.

Sandilands kept the score line level four minutes later when he produced a double save to deny Billiat and Eric Mathoho in quick succession.

Mokwena made his first change of the game after 70 minutes when Justin Shonga came on for Pule, while Chiefs brought on Bernard Parker to replace Reeve Frosler a minute later.

Amakhosi were then awarded a penalty in the 83rd minute of the game. Daniel Cardoso stepped up and made no mistake from the spot kick.

The visitors opted to bring on a fresh pair of legs when Augustine Mulenga came on for Xolani Mlambo.

Chiefs were reduced to 10 men in the 90th minute when Mathoho received his marching orders for an off-the-ball incident.

However, Chiefs held on to their lead over Pirates until the final whistle to claim all three points at the FNB Stadium.

The post Mathoho sees red as Chiefs edge Pirates appeared first on SportsClub.

Rhulani Mokwena’s chargers are in desperate need of some points in the league as they look to claw their way up the log. The Sea Robbers currently sit in seventh place with 13 points from 10 games and will be targeting a victory over their rivals if they are to somehow re-join the title race.

Chiefs come into the game full of confidence with a seven-point lead at the top of the log. Amakhosi have amassed 25 points in their 10 games and have only lost once in the league so far this year.

With the Glamour Boys in fine form, Mokwena will be hoping that his big players can take their game to another level in the Soweto derby.

SoccerClub has highlighted five players who could prove vital come kick-off on Saturday at the FNB Stadium.

Ntsikelelo Nyauza

The 29-year-old defender will need to step up at the heart of the defence as his side is set to be without skipper Happy Jele, who was sent off in the midweek clash against Maritzburg United.

Nyauza has been a fixture at the back in recent weeks and the defender will need to be on top of his game to deal with the arial threat of Leonardo Castro and Samir Nurkovic, while also trying to contain the mecurial Khama Billiat.

Ben Motshwari

The central defender has come back into the team after suffering from injury earlier on in the campaign and has made an instant impact.

The 28-year-old was immense in the TKO game against Chiefs as he snuffed out any danger in the middle of the park.

Mosthwari’s ability to read the game and regain possession of the ball will prove vital if the Buccaneers are to walk away victorious.

Thembinkhosi Lorch

He may have made headlines last weekend for his altercation with Khama Billiat, where he could have easily been sent off, but Lorch was one of the main attacking threats throughout the encounter as he set up both of Pirates’ goals in the 2-2 draw.

Lorch not only possess pace and skill in abundance but he also has the composure to pick out the right ball or find the right finish when the opportunity opens up for him.

He will have to keep his discipline, but Lorch looks to have got under the skin of the Glamour Boys and will be hoping to yet again hurt Chiefs.

Vincent Pule

Pule has also struggled with injury this season and as a result missed a lot of the early season.

The former Bidvest Wits man was so crucial to Pirates’ form at the start of the campaign where he scored four goals and picked up three assists in their opening 10 games.

Pule has slowly been brought back into the team by Mokwena and has show glimpses of last seasons’ form.

A game against Chiefs will now provide Pule with the opportunity to get back on the score sheet and help reignite his team’s season.

Gabadinho Mhango

While it is not clear whether Mhango will start the Soweto derby or not, but after tasting the joy of scoring in Soweto derby last weekend, the former Bidvest Wits forward will be hungry for more.

Mhango possess pace and skill in abundance and showed last week that he will prove a handful for the Chiefs backline to contain.

His role could be from the bench, but surely Mokwena will be hoping that his new forward can kick start his Pirates career with a standout performance against their fiercest rivals.

The post Five Pirates players who could hurt Chiefs in Soweto derby appeared first on SportsClub.

The Buccaneers are set to face Zambian side Green Eagles in the first leg of the preliminary round on Saturday before returning to South Africa for the second leg on 23 August.

The likes of defenders Justice Chabalala and Brian Hlongwa‚ as well as midfielder Linda Mntambo and striker Thabiso Monyane have all been left out of Milutin Sredojevic’s Champions League squad.

Should Pirates get through the preliminary round they will take on the winner between Angolan champions 1° de Agosto and KMKM from Zanzibar in the next round.

The Buccaneers have registered a total of 28 players for their two upcoming preliminary matches.

Goalkeepers

Joris Delle, Siyabonga Mpontshane, Wayne Sandilands.

Defenders

Asavela Mbekile, Happy Jele, Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Bongani Sam, Innocent Maela, Alfred Ndengane, Mthokozisi Dube, Paseka Mako.

Midfielders

Thembinkosi Lorch, Ben Motshwari, Siphesihle Ndlovu, Vincent Pule, Luvuyo Memela, Abel Mabaso, Musa Nyatama, Fortune Makaringe, Kabelo Dlamini, Xola Mlambo, Tebogo Tlolane.

Forwards

Gabadinho Mhango, Justin Shonga, Tshegofatso Mabasa, Augustine Mulenga, Zakhele Lepasa, Austin Muwowo.

The post Pirates announce Caf CL squad appeared first on SportsClub.

Brilliant Khuzwayo leads the list of players who face an uncertain future at the club after he was omitted from the Buccaneers squad list for the new season.

Another notable omissions are Austin Muwo, who recently joined the club from Nkana FC, Pule Maraisa, after signing a three-year contract with the Soweto giants, Augustine Mahlonoko and Tercious Malepe.

Meanwhile, Ntsikelelo Nyauza has moved from No 2 to No 5 while defensive midfielder Ben Motshwari has downgraded from No 20 to No 6.

As for the club’s new signing, Gabadinho Mhango has been allocated the No 7 jersey, Siphesihle Ndlovu 8, Fortune Makaringe 15, Bongani Sam 19, Kabelo Dlamini 8 and Tshegofatso Mabasa 16.

The Orlando Pirates 31-man squad in full:

Goalkeepers

1 Joris Delle, 30 Wayne Sandilands, 40 Siyabonga Mpontshane

Defenders

2 Asavela Mbekile, 4 Happy Jele, 5 Ntsikelelo Nyauza, 44 Abel Mabaso, 19 Bongani Sam, 23 Innocent Maela, 24 Tebogo Tlolane, 27 Alfred Ndengane, 28 Mthokozisi Dube, 33 Justice Chabalala, 35 Brian Hlongwa

Midfielders

3 Thembinkosi Lorch, 6 Ben Motshwari, 8 Siphesihle Ndlovu, 11 Luvuyo Memela, 14 Musa Nyatama, 15 Fortune Makaringe, 18 Kabelo Dlamini, 20 Xola Mlambo, 29 Paseka Mako, 32 Linda Mntambo, 45 Vincent Pule

Strikers

7 Gabadinho Mhango, 12 Justin Shonga, 16 Tshegofatsho Mabasa, 17 Augustine Mulenga, 25 Zakhele Lepasa, 34 Thabiso Monyane.

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