Orlando Pirates reload, Durban City rise: Two clubs, one ambitious season
Premier Soccer League
Abdeslam Ouaddou steps into the hot seat at Orlando Pirates, tasked with delivering silverware in a high-pressure season. Photo: Backpageix
Image: Backpageix
A new Betway Premiership season kicks off with two very different missions in focus — Orlando Pirates chasing long-awaited glory, and Durban City FC stepping into the spotlight for the first time.
The Buccaneers are armed with fresh talent and a new coach as they look to finally end their league title drought. Durban City, under the wily Gavin Hunt, are here to survive — and maybe surprise a few along the way.
One aims to conquer, the other to belong. But both will help shape a season where youth leads the charge, pressure mounts early, and every game could tip the scales.
Relebohile Mofokeng remains central to Orlando Pirates’ attacking plans after a breakout season. Photo: Backpageix
Image: Backpagepix
⚫️⚪️ Orlando Pirates
Buccaneers sharpen their swords in hunt for long-overdue league glory
Club owner: Irvin Khoza
Head Coach: Abdeslam Ouaddou
Highest ever finish: Champions
Competitions participating in: CAF Champions League, Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup
Silvareware chances: Good, they will be the favourites to upset Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title and will be leading the way also for other domestic titles.
Orlando Pirates have made a strong statement of intent ahead of the new campaign, reinforcing their ambition not only to challenge for top honours but also to maintain squad depth across multiple competitions.
Last season’s title push faltered under the weight of fixture congestion and fatigue, revealing the need for better rotation. The Buccaneers have responded by strengthening their squad with key signings, notably Sinoxolo Kwayiba and Oswin Appollis, whose attacking flair and creativity will ease the burden on rising star Relebohile Mofokeng.
The appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou, the former Marumo Gallants coach, signals a new era following Jose Riveiro’s departure. Ouaddou inherits a team that reached two domestic cup finals last season—winning one—and made the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League. Maintaining that level of performance will be the expectation.
Ouaddou’s challenge will be twofold: adapting quickly to a high-pressure environment and ensuring the new arrivals settle into the squad. If he succeeds in imposing his style without disrupting momentum, Pirates could finally end their 13-year wait for a league title.
Key players to watch
Relebohile Mofokeng – Dynamic and fearless attacking midfielder
Oswin Appollis – Creative winger with international pedigree
Sipho Mbule – Midfield metronome who adds experience and balance
Predicted League finish: Second
Gavin Hunt’s experience will be key as Durban City look to establish themselves in the Premiership. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
🔵⚪️ Durban City FC
Hunt leads fearless debutants ready to rattle the top-flight cage
Club owner: Farook Kadodia
Head Coach: Gavin Hunt
Highest ever finish: Automatic promotion as NFD champions
Competitions participating in: Betway Premiership, Nedbank Cup, Carling Knockout Cup
Silverware chances: Minimal — survival is the goal, but a cup upset or two isn’t out of the question
Durban City FC enter their maiden Premiership season with purpose, determined to do more than just survive. Backed by club owner Farook Kadodia and the experienced Gavin Hunt, the side are building a foundation based on discipline, pragmatism, and belief.
Without the benefit of a Diski Challenge structure, City have assembled a squad of promising youngsters and seasoned professionals. Hunt, a proven tactician with multiple league titles to his name, has quietly instilled a competitive edge into the team.
One to watch is Trevor Mokwena, a tricky winger whose low centre of gravity and quick feet make him a potential game-changer. In midfield, Haashim Domingo brings poise and control, while Samkelo Maseko could emerge as the breakout star—offering energy, vision, and fearlessness in tight matches.
Silverware may be a stretch, but City could pose a real threat in knockout competitions. Their focus, however, remains on consolidating their top-flight status and making their home ground a tough place to visit.
Winger Trevor Mokwena is tipped to be Durban City’s attacking spark in their debut Premiership campaign. Photo: backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Key players to watch
Samkelo Maseko – Box-to-box engine with a big future
Trevor Mokwena – Flashy winger with game-changing potential
Haashim Domingo – Composed playmaker and midfield anchor
Predicted League finish: 13th