Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates will face Namibia's African Stars in Gaborone, Botswana, in Saturday's first leg of their CAF Champions League second preliminary round tie.

Miguel Cardoso's Mamelodi Sundowns are MTN8 champions after beating Orlando Pirates 2-0 thanks to goals from Iqraam Rayners and Teboho Mokoena and a key penalty save from Ronwen Williams.

Orlando Pirates seek a fifth successive MTN8 title, but face strong opposition as they take on African champions Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday in Durban.

South Africa returned to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 after a 16-year absence, and since their round of 32 exit at the hands of Canada, Bafana Bafana players have secured several noteworthy moves abroad.

Orlando Pirates were held to a shock 0-0 CAF Champions League draw by La Cure Waves in Mauritius last weekend, but will have home advantage for Saturday's first preliminary round second leg at Orlando Amstel Arena.

Orlando Pirates will kick off their CAF Champions League campaign with a first qualifying round clash with La Cure Waves - with the first leg taking place in Mauritius on Sunday.

South Africa winger Mohau Nkota has rejoined Orlando Pirates on a season-long loan from Al Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League club which signed him a year ago.

The second leg of the MTN8 semi-finals will see Orlando Pirates look to defend their 1-0 lead at home to Sekhukhune United on Saturday, and Mamelodi Sundowns look to overturn a 1-0 deficit away to Golden Arrows.

After Sport, Arts & Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie's ultimatum that SAFA put in place a viable plan for the rollout of VAR technology or face a recall of funds, the association acknowledged delays, but said the money remains secure.

South African Minister of Sport, Art & Culture, Gayton McKenzie has questioned the absence of VAR in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) for 2026-27, and threatened to recall a payment to the South African Football Association (SAFA).