Goals A-Plunder - Inside Orlando Pirates' Free-Scoring Goal Machine

Goals A-Plunder - Inside Orlando Pirates' Free-Scoring Goal Machine

Latest news

Goals A-Plunder - Inside Orlando Pirates' Free-Scoring Goal Machine

Orlando Pirates have been on fire in the South African PSL over the last week, scoring 11 goals across two games. Currently, the side are second in the league with 54 points, two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

With 7 games remaining, the Buccaneers are leaving no stone unturned in their charge to lift the trophy. A 6-0 away win against TS Galaxy, followed by a 5-0 victory in Soweto have sent ripples through the division.

But how far can they really go? Let's take a look at their squad and the players making the headlines, the man in charge, and what to expect as we zoom into the business end of the season.

The Key Players

Undeniably, the best player this season for Orlando Pirates has been 21-year old South African wonderkid Relebohile Mofokeng.

Operating in the attacking midfield position, Rele has 9 goals and 5 assists to his name this season from just 16 starts in the league. The 6-0 trashing against TS Galaxy marked a milestone moment for Mofokeng, with the player scoring his first career hat-trick. His heroics for Orlando Pirates have seen him earn mass international recognition, as the player is now one of the first names on the team sheet in the South African national side ahead of their return to the World Cup this summer. Mofokeng has been the poster boy in the kit unveilings ahead of the summer, and many pundits now regard him as the face, and the future, of South Africa's football.

What's more, is that European clubs have been circling like sharks around the Pirates' star, with Celtic, Norwich, and Benfica all expressing interest.

Fellow South African international Oswin Appollis has been electric for the Pirates so far this season, scoring 6 goals and producing 6 assists from the wing in the league. Appollis is a clinical winger, which is rare in this day and age, and his efforts have been pivotal to the Pirates' push so far this season. Appollis is also expected to be on the plane to the States this summer, and one of the first names in the starting XI.

Attacking midfielder, Patrick "Tito" Maswanganyi has also been in excellent form for the Buccaneers with 6 goals in the PSL. Tito's recent form has led to him being tipped for the Bafana Bafana squad this summer, and not many people could dispute this case. Regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in Africa, the 28-year old is well and truly in his prime years.

Perhaps the most unlikely, yet most beneficial creator for the Pirates this season has been 32 year-old Namibian fullback Deon Hotto, who currently has 1 goal and 7 assists to his name. The side play in a traditional 4-2-3-1 shape, so these numbers from a left-back position are truly impressive.

Tshepang Moremi has had an intriguing spike of form on the left-wing, producing 8 goal contributions. Moremi has been a regular in the national side for the best part of 2 seasons, and many feel his inclusion is justified.

Standing tall at the back is the Pirates' captain, Nkosinathi Sibisi. The 30-year old has been a stalwart all season at the back, marshalling the defence from centre-back and displaying true leadership and experience. Sibisi has played his part in helping the Pirates keep 16 clean sheets this season, the most in the division.

The Coach

Moroccan manager Abdeslam Ouaddou has held the position in Soweto since June 2025, and his expansive style of play has been getting fans off their seats ever since his appointment. As a player, Ouaddou was a centre-back who plyed his trade at the likes of Premier League club Fulham, and Ligue 1 side Rennes. Previous experience in the league, as well as international experience as Algeria's assistant coach, provided him with an excellent CV for the job, and few can say he's disappointed thus far.

Traditionally, the Orlando Pirates have boasted some of the country's most technically gifted players, however in recent years they have lacked the ability to showcase their talent. However, Ouaddou appears to be getting the best out of the talent at his disposal. Often, the attack moves in free-flowing styles, with goals coming in abundance from all angles. This is evident in the 11 goals we have seen from the side in the past week.

The Season So Far, And What's To Come Next

The Pirates have been top of the league for the majority of the season. Failure to qualify for the CAF Champions League allowed them to focus on what was in front of them in South Africa, however the recent resurgence from Mamelodi Sundowns, owing to numerous players returning from injury, has led to the side dropping into second in the league. Back in February, the Sundowns beat the Pirates 2-1, and the side have only lost two other games in the league all season.

Aside from a blockbuster Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs coming up at the end of the month, the Pirates have a favourable run of fixtures to end the season. The Sundowns are currently in the CAF Champions League semi-finals, and the Buccaneers will be hoping their focus may be strayed towards continental glory.

The South African PSL is heating up fast, buckle up for a fierce finish.

Arthur Turner
Arthur Turner CAF Football Analyst & Writer

Arthur Turner

Arthur is a writer at The Football Park, where he primarily focuses on African football and CAF competitions. Having spent a decade living in South Africa, he developed a deep passion for the continent’s game, which continues to shape his storytelling. Spotlighting emerging talents, major continental tournaments, and the cultural heartbeat of football across Africa, he provides fans with everything they need to know about African football.

Earlier in his writing career, Arthur covered the full breadth of the EFL as well as the rich, ever-evolving world of grassroots football, building a foundation in match reporting and feature writing. Arthur’s previous work also includes detailed season coverage of Chelsea FC loan players, writing extensively about rising stars such as Estevão Willian and Andrey Santos. A lifelong Chelsea fan, he brings both emotional investment and sharp insight to everything he produces.

Currently a student, Arthur blends light-hearted, fan-friendly storytelling with thoughtful tactical analysis and narrative-driven features, exploring both the technical and cultural sides of the sport with clarity and enthusiasm.

View all articles by Arthur Turner →

Related Articles

SEE MORE
EXCLUSIVE: Jermaine Pennant Speaks On Extortionate Transfer Fees, and How Player's Can Cope With Them
Harry Pascoe Journalist Feature Interviews

EXCLUSIVE: Jermaine Pennant Speaks On Extortionate Transfer Fees, and How Player's Can Cope With Them

Premier League News

Feature Interviews
Odegaard Has Been Out in the Wilderness, but Now It Finally Looks Like the Prodigal Son has Returned
Harry Pascoe Journalist Latest news

Odegaard Has Been Out in the Wilderness, but Now It Finally Looks Like the Prodigal Son has Returned

Premier League News

Latest news
Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Champions League Match Report & Player Ratings
Ben Wright Journalist Match Previews/Reviews

Liverpool 2-1 Atlético Madrid - Champions League Match Report & Player Ratings

Liverpool Match Report

Match Previews/Reviews