Orlando Pirates announce new signings and launch 2026/27 jerseys ahead of title defence
Orlando Pirates confirmed nine new signings for the 2026/27 season, including midfielder Thapelo Mokobodi on a three‑year deal from Stellenbosch and other arrivals such as Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Bohale Ngwato, Matome Mmolai, Sbangani Zulu, Aphiwe Baliti, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen.
The club also unveiled its 2026/27 home and away kits in partnership with adidas. The jerseys, priced at R1,399, pay tribute to Johannesburg – the “City of Gold” – and were launched with a campaign film celebrating the club’s heritage ahead of its 90th anniversary in 2027.
At the season awards, Relebohile Mofokeng swept the Footballer of the Season, Player’s Player and Young Player honours, while coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was named Coach of the Season. Ouaddou later addressed speculation about his future, saying the awards are motivation and confirming his commitment to the club.
Orlando Pirates, the defending Betway Premiership champions after ending a 14‑year league drought, will open the new campaign with a home match against Milford FC on 1 August 2026.
Entities: Abdeslam Ouaddou · Adidas · Orlando Pirates · Orlando Pirates Football Club · Oswin Appollis · Relebohile Mofokeng · Sebastian Pedersen · Thapelo Mokobodi
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In his first season, Appollis scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, helping Orlando Pirates win a domestic treble. (article 90de3be3-bc2d-45f1-9856-11dcb588302e)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Relebohile Mofokeng won the Footballer of the Season award, beating Appollis and Teboho Mokoena. (article a7372abe-588e-4cd1-81a9-623b2aa7da06)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed speculation about his future and reaffirmed his commitment to Orlando Pirates. (article 7af3b2d5-2669-4445-8818-2a40f3a90536)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Appollis was named Midfielder of the Season. (article 90de3be3-bc2d-45f1-9856-11dcb588302e)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Orlando Pirates will start the new Betway Premiership season on 1 August 2026 with a home match against Milford. (article a7372abe-588e-4cd1-81a9-623b2aa7da06)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Orlando Pirates signed Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen among off‑season acquisitions. (article a7372abe-588e-4cd1-81a9-623b2aa7da06)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Oswin Appollis dismissed transfer rumours and said his focus remains on Orlando Pirates. (article 90de3be3-bc2d-45f1-9856-11dcb588302e)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Abdeslam Ouaddou was named Coach of the Season. (a7372abe-588e-4cd1-81a9-623b2aa7da06)
- [● 2 SOURCES] adidas and Orlando Pirates launched the 2026/27 home and away jerseys, retailing for R1,399. (adidas and Orlando Pirates)
- [● 2 SOURCES] Orlando Pirates will start the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season on 1 August 2026 with a home match against Milford FC. (Orlando Pirates)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Sipho Chaine was named Betway Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season. (Betway Premiership awards)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Relebohile Mofokeng was named Footballer of the Season, Player’s Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season. (Betway Premiership awards)