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RAY
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The Sea Robbers' strong new squad has created intense internal competition, leaving several talented players struggling for a place in the team.
Orlando Pirates’ aggressive recruitment drive and key reinforcements have paid off handsomely, placing the Buccaneers in their strongest position in years to mount a genuine league title-challenge.
The club has successfully built a squad that boasts impressive quality and, crucially, the kind of depth they desperately lacked last season.
Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou now finds himself managing both a blessing and a challenge. On one hand, he has the tools to compete on all fronts; on the other, he must navigate a dressing room packed with talent, where competition for places is at an all-time high.
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08:17 - 16.11.2025
Florent Ibenge Makes It Clear Why Feisal Salum Chose Azam Over Kaizer Chiefs
Azam coach Florent Ibenge shed light on why star Feisal Salum snubbed Kaizer Chiefs' interest to sign a new contract.
Several talented players, who just last season were considered key figures or promising prospects, have seen their minutes drastically reduced as per IOL. While this is a sign of a healthy, ambitious club, it has left high-calibre players struggling for opportunities despite their quality.
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The most glaring and surprising case is that of Tshegofatso Mabasa. The 29-year-old striker was the league's Golden Boot winner in the 2023/24 season, yet his involvement has been dramatically curtailed.
Of the ten matches Pirates have played so far this term, Mabasa has featured in only five, with Yanela Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa recently preferred to lead the line.
While Mabasa has managed one league goal in his limited appearances, his situation highlights the ruthlessness of the new regime. He remains the least likely long-term absentee from this group, as his clinical record over the last two seasons speaks for itself. Yet, for a player of his pedigree, warming the bench is an unfamiliar and harsh reality.
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18:32 - 15.11.2025
St Eloi Lupopo’s Champions League Plans Change After CAF Directive
DR Congo club St Eloi Lupopo have been forced to change their CAF Champions League plans following an order from Africa’s football governing body.
The Midfield and Defensive Logjam
The story is similar for the promising young forward, Boitumelo Radiopane. He was given an opportunity early in the season but found it difficult to build momentum during a run of tough fixtures. Having failed to cement his place, he has slipped down the attacking order. Pirates’ early exit from the CAF Champions League has only complicated matters, as fewer fixtures on the schedule have narrowed the window for fringe players to get consistent game time.
In defence, the 30-year-old right-back Bandile Shandu has found himself slipping down the pecking order. Pirates now boast a sizeable number of options in his position, making it difficult for Shandu to break into either the starting eleven or even the matchday squad.
However, with coach Ouaddou having nearly five options at right-back, Shandu's consistent performances haven't been enough. His case has been further hampered by the versatility of Mike Sebelebele, a former TS Galaxy midfielder who has impressed not only in the middle but has also made himself a viable option in the right-back position.
Established Stars Feel the Squeeze
In the center of the park, Goodman Mosele has endured a challenging start to his career at Pirates. The former Chippa United midfielder, whose quality is undeniable, has had to remain patient, receiving only limited minutes in recent matches.
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22:09 - 14.11.2025
Harambee Stars Player Ratings: A for Effort as Goal Eludes Benni McCarthy’s Charges in Turkey
Harambee Stars created alot of chances against Equatorial Guinea but failed to convert them, and they were made to pay dearly with a 1-0 loss. But how did the players perform?
While more opportunities are likely to come, the timing of his reduced role has been particularly unfortunate. After breaking into the Bafana Bafana setup and earning a few caps, Mosele has missed the chance to fight for a place in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations squad. He will now be hoping for a significant increase in playing time to boost his prospects for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Even established fan favourites are not immune. Kabelo Dlamini, a key creative figure under former coach Jose Riveiro, has also seen his role diminish.
Regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders at the club, Dlamini’s recent cameo in the 3–0 CAF Confederation Cup win over Saint-Eloi Lupopo offered flashes of his enduring ability. It served as a timely reminder to the technical team of the immense value he can still add to this Pirates side, as the Buccaneers chase the silverware their deep squad was built to win.
Disclaimer: This is an opinion and analysis piece.