Mofokeng, 4 Bafana Stars who Could Lead Pirates to Betway Premiership Title This Season
- Orlando Pirates failed to start this season on a good not as they stumbled to a defeat in their first match in the 2025-26 Betway Premiership against Sekhukhune United
- The Sea Robbers still remain one of the top contenders to win the Betway Premiership this season despite poor start
- Briefly News highlights some of Bafana Bafana stars who could lead the Buccaneers to glory in the league this campaign
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Orlando Pirates have been rated as one of the favourites to win the 2025-26 Betway Premiership title alongside Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs despite the Buccaneers losing their first league match.
The Sea Robbers finished as runners-up last season behind Sundowns but have revamped their squad this summer with new players and began the season with a win against Polokwane City in the MTN8.
Source: Getty Images
The Bucs started the league season with a defeat against Sekhukhune United at the Orlando Stadium over the weekend, but that's yet to rule them out of the title contenders this campaign.
With the new season upon us, Briefly News takes a look at five Bafana Bafana stars who could lead the Buccaneers to the title this campaign.
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Five Bafana stars who lead Pirates’ title charge
1 Relebohile Mofokeng
The South African international has been one of the most important players for Orlando Pirates since making his debut for the Soweto giants a few seasons ago.
The youngster brings flair, creativity, and composure far beyond his years and has the ability to unlock defence.
He is going to be an important figure for Abdeslam Ouaddou this season. If the Moroccan tactician wishes to lead Pirates to the Betway Premiership title glory, then he needs Mofokeng’s consistency and brilliance.
Source: Getty Images
2 Sipho Mbule
Since joining Pirates from Sundowns on a free transfer in the summer, Sipho Mbule has added composure and technical quality to the Bucs midfield.
The South African midfielder is known for vision, passing range, and can control the tempo of a game while also dictating play from deep or advanced positions. He is another important player for the Pirates' title charge this season.
3 Oswin Appollis
Appollis has been an exciting attacking option since signed this summer and offers versatility in the final third the Bucs.
The Bafana Bafana forward can play out wide both on the right and the left or through the middle as a striker, using his pace and skill to stretch defences and create chances.
South African international has been rising steadily in Premier Soccer League since breaking into limelight at Polokwane City, and a strong season with Pirates could further elevate the Buccaneers' chances of winning the league this season.
4 Patrick 'Tito' Maswanganyi
Maswanganyi alongside Mofokeng were fans' favourite at Pirates last season, leading them to the CAF Champions League semi-final, but they failed to make the final after their defeat against Pyramids FC.
The South African international's energy, work rate, and attacking intent would add spark to the Sea Robbers' chances of dethroning Mamelodi Sundowns this season in the Betway Premiership.
5 Sipho Chaine
A title challenge always requires a reliable shot-stopper, and Chaine has proven himself up to the task. He was named the goalkeeper of the season after his performance between the sticks for the Bucs' last campaign in all competition.
The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper brings calmness, excellent shot-stopping ability, and confidence in handling high-pressure situations.
Ouaddou explains Mabasa's snub against Sekhukhune
Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou has explained why Tshegofatso Mabasa was absent in Pirates' defeat against Sekhukhune United.
The South African international has missed the first two official matches for the Sea Robbers this season.
Source: Briefly News
