Orlando Pirates have been backed to retain their Betway Premiership crown this season, with former club captain Mbulelo OJ Mabizela insisting the defending champions possess the depth and quality to go back-to-back.
Pirates open their title defence at home to top-flight newcomers Milford at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, with kick-off at 15:00. The fixture marks the first step in what Mabizela believes can be another championship-winning campaign.
“It’s early to say, but yes, we are still going to defend the league again this coming season,” said the ex-defender, who spent some of his best years with the Buccaneers.
Pirates have been active in the transfer market in preparation for the new campaign, adding several reinforcements to a squad that finished on top last term. New arrivals include Neo Rapoo, Gamphani Lungu, Sebastian Pedersen and Mthetheli Mthiyane, among others, as the club looks to strengthen across the pitch.
Mabizela says those signings have bolstered competition for places and given the Buccaneers the necessary resources to challenge again over a long season.
Pedersen relishing ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ Pirates move
Central to that recruitment drive is the capture of Norway striker Sebastian Pedersen, who joins Pirates on a two-year contract with an option to extend.
The 27-year-old forward arrives from Sogndal, where he has compiled an impressive scoring record. Pedersen has struck 51 goals in his past 117 appearances for the Norwegian club, including eight in 15 matches so far this season.
Pedersen described his switch to Orlando Pirates as an opportunity he could not turn down.
“This feels like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It is such a huge club that I couldn’t pass up the chance when it arose,” Pedersen told Sogndal.
He admitted he initially had reservations about the move but said learning more about both the club and the country had quickly changed his outlook.
“At first, I was a bit sceptical, but the more I’ve learned about the club and life in South Africa, the more excited I’ve become. I am very grateful that Sogndal reached an agreement with Orlando Pirates.”
With his scoring statistics and physical profile, Pedersen is expected to add another dimension to the Buccaneers’ attack as they seek to balance domestic duties with the demands of remaining champions.
Mabizela urges Mbokazi to stay patient at Chicago Fire
Away from Pirates’ title tilt, Mabizela has also urged fellow defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi not to rush into a move away from Chicago Fire, arguing that the 20-year-old is well placed to continue his development where he is.
Mbokazi, who previously played for Pirates, emerged as one of the standout performers for Bafana Bafana during their historic Fifa World Cup run, in which South Africa reached the last 32 of the tournament for the first time.
Despite his rapidly rising profile, Mabizela believes Mbokazi’s priority should remain regular football and steady growth rather than a high-profile transfer that could limit his minutes on the pitch.
“I think where he is, he is okay because he is still young and has a lot to learn about international football. Fortunately, he is doing well. I would not rush him to go somewhere else and sit on the bench,” Mabizela said.
“If he decides [to leave], he must make sure wherever he goes, he must play and not sit on the bench.”
As Pirates prepare to begin their title defence and Mbokazi continues his overseas journey, Mabizela’s comments underline both the expectations surrounding the Buccaneers and the careful career decisions facing South Africa’s emerging talents.
