Orlando Pirates face a tricky start to the 2025/56 Betway Premiership season in August, having lost to three of the teams during the previous campaign.
The Buccaneers begin their 2025/26 Betway Premiership campaign at home against Eric Tinkler’s resilient Sekhukhune United on Saturday, while tough tests against coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s former club Marumo Gallants and the tricky Stellenbosch await.
AmaBhakaniya will then host Betway Premiership newcomers Orbit College, who have signed Bucs 27-year-old winger Monnapule Saleng on loan for the 2025/26 season.
Bucs wrap up the month with a trip to Gqebhera to face Chippa United, a team they have defeated in their last four consecutive fixtures in all competitions.
The Soweto giants will be hoping for a big season, having bolstered their ranks with 18 new signings including former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sipho Mbule and Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis, although they will have to contend without exciting 20-year-old winger Mohau Nkota, who departed to Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al-Ettifaq during the pre-season tour in Spain last month.
New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is excited about his team’s prospects for the coming season.
“Of course, we have the tools,” said the Moroccan following a convincing 2-0 win against Polokwane City in their MTN8 quarter-final clash.
“The club has given me the possibility to succeed. I am very happy and proud about the quality of the players that I have. Of course, every weekend I am in trouble to find a starting XI, but it’s a good problem for me. I am a happy coach.”
Orlando Pirates fixtures 2025
August 9: Orlando Pirates vs Sekhukhune United (Orlando Stadium)
August 12: Marumo Gallants vs Orlando Pirates (Seisa Ramabodu Stadium)
August 20: Orlando Pirates vs Stellenbosch (Orlando Stadium)
August 26: Orlando Pirates vs Orbit College (Orlando Stadium)
August 31: Chippa United vs Orlando Pirates (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium)