New Era, New Ambitions: Can Orlando Pirates Dethrone Sundowns in the PSL Race?

Something is brewing in Soweto — and this time, it’s not just off-season buzz.

After years of watching Mamelodi Sundowns rule the Premier Soccer League like clockwork, Orlando Pirates fans are beginning to believe again. With a new coach, a full squad overhaul, and a promising pre-season, the 2025/26 campaign might just be the chapter where the Buccaneers write their comeback.

But belief isn’t enough — trophies are what count.

Fresh faces, fresh fire

It’s never easy to predict how a team with 11 new signings and a new manager will gel, but Orlando Pirates’ opening performances suggest they’re more than just a team in transition. Under the leadership of former Morocco international Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates looked sharp in their MTN8 victory over Polokwane City — confident, cohesive, and exciting.

And then there’s Oswin Appollis. The Bafana Bafana midfielder is already proving to be a midfield lynchpin, while rising stars like Relebohile Mofokeng and Siphelele Mbule round out a side that suddenly looks very difficult to beat.

Ouaddou’s job isn’t just about managing egos or rotating lineups — it’s about transforming that momentum into a consistent threat to the PSL’s reigning kings.

Spain wasn’t just for sightseeing

Pirates didn’t ease into this season. Their pre-season tour of Spain was a crash course in elite football — battling it out against Bolton Wanderers, Las Palmas, and Pafos before grabbing a statement win over Granada.

While the results were mixed, the overall takeaway was clear: this team is learning fast and growing even faster. Fans on social media were quick to highlight the fighting spirit in matches that could’ve easily gone south, praising the tactical maturity on display, especially in the Granada win.

Twitter user @BucsFaithful wrote:

“Pirates didn’t just tour Spain — they came back with a game plan.”

Transfer window done right

The Buccaneers didn’t waste any time in the market. With 11 new players added and two already loaned out for game time, Pirates made clear they weren’t here to play — they’re here to win.

Sekhukhune United, who they face next, were just as busy in the transfer window. That showdown promises to be a fascinating test of whose recruitment strategy holds more water. But it’s Pirates who arguably got the better balance between youth, experience, and star power.

The Sundowns-sized shadow

Let’s not get ahead of ourselves — Mamelodi Sundowns are still the team to beat. The defending champions have built a ruthless system that doesn’t easily crumble. But what Pirates have this season is depth, hunger, and perhaps, finally, a manager who can keep up tactically.

It’s been over a decade since Pirates last lifted a league title. For a club with such a rich history, that drought stings. But there’s something different about this season — a spark, a plan, a squad with teeth.

And while it may still be early days, you can’t help but wonder… could this finally be the season the Sea Robbers sail back to the top?

Source:Goal.com

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com