Can Orlando Pirates dominate again? The biggest challenge facing Ouaddou
· The South African
Orlando Pirates head into the 2026/27 campaign as favourites to retain both the Betway Premiership and the MTN8, with the latter set to begin a week after the league season gets underway.
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The Buccaneers enjoyed a memorable 2025/26 season, lifting the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Betway Premiership trophies to establish themselves as the dominant force in South African football.
New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou could hardly have asked for a better start to life at the club. However, with success comes expectation, and the pressure will be on the Moroccan tactician to maintain Pirates’ winning standards.
The Soweto giants are currently in Spain for their pre-season camp, where they have played two friendly matches, recording one victory and one draw.
Orlando Pirates in Spain for pre-season
The tour has given Ouaddou an opportunity to integrate seven new signings as he prepares his squad for another demanding campaign.
Having strengthened the squad, Orlando Pirates will believe they have the quality to compete for every trophy on offer. One competition remains unfinished business for the Buccaneers which is the CAF Champions League.
Despite consistently qualifying for the tournament, the Buccaneers have struggled to mount a sustained challenge for the continental crown. While they have generally impressed in the group stages and reached the semi-finals twice in the past 12 years, they have fallen short of reaching the final. Breaking that barrier will be one of the club’s biggest objectives this season.
Pirates begin their Betway Premiership title defence in two weeks’ time against newly promoted Milford FC at Orlando Stadium before hosting Durban City in the opening round of the MTN8 a week later.
Starting both competitions at home gives Ouaddou’s side an early advantage, but it also increases the expectation to begin the season with convincing victories and avoid any early setbacks.
Orlando Pirates to miss Mofokeng
The departure of star winger Relebohile Mofokeng will leave a significant creative void. Pirates will now look to Patrick Maswanganyi, new signing Oswin Appollis and other attacking players to provide the spark in the final third.
While the Buccaneers remain formidable in defence and midfield, questions remain over their striking department. Evidence Makgopa, Yanela Mbuthuma and Boitumelo Radiopane have yet to establish themselves as prolific goalscorers capable of leading a title-winning attack.
If Orlando Pirates are serious about dominating domestically and finally conquering Africa, signing a proven, clinical striker could prove to be the final piece of the puzzle.