Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates will be relying on the power of the famous Orlando Stadium crowd colloquially known as 'The Ghost' when they look to overturn a 3-0 deficit to Saint-Éloi Lupopo in the CAF Champions League on Saturday.

Orlando Pirates seek to continue their 10-match winning run across all competitions.

South Africa's performance to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is symbolic of the resilience that coach Hugo Broos has instilled in the team.

In one of the most eventful Betway Premiership transfer windows in memory, Mamelodi Sundowns made the biggest headlines once again even without a flurry of signings, while Orlando Pirates saw plenty of movement.

After a thrilling start to South Africa's football season, the Carling Knockout could add more twists and turns when it kicks off on Friday, with Stellenbosch taking on Kaizer Chiefs in the pick of the round.

When Mohau Nkota moved from Kimberley to join Orlando Pirates around four years ago, he battled homesickness, but through a period of rapid change, as he shot up to the first team, he leaned on teammate Relebohile Mofokeng.

MTN8 champions Orlando Pirates will begin their CAF Champions League campaign on Saturday in Bloemfontein, against Lesotho champions Lioli FC in the preliminary round first leg.

Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch will face off for a second successive MTN8 final clash, this time at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday, with Stellies looking to avenge last year's controversial defeat in the same fixture.

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, as well as defender Tapelo Xoki, have been hospitalised after a road traffic incident, which took place on Sunday night after a 3-0 win over Chippa United.

The second leg fixtures in the MTN8 semi-final will both be played on Saturday, with Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch ahead of Orlando Pirates (on away goals) and Sekhukhune United respectively.