# Orlando Pirates 2026/27 title defence kickoff > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/orlando-pirates-202627-season-preparations > Updated: 2026-08-03T12:57:10.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 5. Orlando Pirates began their 2026/27 Betway Premiership title defence on 1 August with a 2‑0 win over newly promoted Milford at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Oswin Appollis opened the scoring from a long‑range free‑kick and Tshepang Moremi added a late winner. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou praised the performance, warned against over‑hyping 21‑year‑old prospect Cemran Dansin and highlighted tactical changes made at halftime. The club also launched a new retail store at the Mall of Africa in Midrand, offering official kits and merchandise as they prepare for domestic matches and upcoming CAF Champions League fixtures. Former captain Happy Jele urged supporters not to place excessive pressure on the side, noting the physical and mental strain of balancing league, cup and continental commitments and the extensive travel involved. New signing 20‑year‑old left‑back Neo Rapoo, recruited from Siwelele, made his debut at the Amstel Arena and praised the familiar environment and senior teammates for easing his transition. Other PSL clubs opened their seasons as well, with Kaizer Chiefs beating Kruger United 3‑1 and Polokwane City edging Richards Bay 2‑1. ## Claims - Orlando Pirates added nine new signings for the 2026/27 season, including Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, Bohale Ngwato, Matome Mmolai, Sbangani Zulu, Aphiwe Baliti, Mthetheleli Mthiyane and Sebastian Ped森 (corroborated by 2 sources) - Orlando Pirates will start the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season on 1 August 2026 with a home match against Milford FC. (corroborated by 2 sources) - adidas and Orlando Pirates launched the 2026/27 home and away jerseys, retailing for R1,399. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Oswin Appollis dismissed transfer rumours and said his focus remains on Orlando Pirates. (single source) - In his first season, Appollis scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, helping Orlando Pirates win a domestic treble. (single source) - Appollis was named Midfielder of the Season. (single source) - Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou addressed speculation about his future and reaffirmed his commitment to Orlando Pirates. (single source) - Abdeslam Ouaddou was named Coach of the Season. (single source) - Relebohile Mofokeng won the Footballer of the Season award, beating Appollis and Teboho Mokoena. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-03: Orlando Pirates set sights on defending Betway Premiership title Orlando Pirates, fresh from a 14‑year title win, aim to defend the Betway Premiership while juggling CAF Champions League duties; coach Abdeslam Ouaddou leads, Happy Jele urges calm, and new signing Neo Rapoo d 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orlando-pirates-set-sights-on-defending-betway-premiership-title ### 2026-08-01: Orlando Pirates open title defence with 2-0 win as PSL season kicks off Orlando Pirates start their title defence with a 2‑0 win over Milford, while Kaizer Chiefs and Polokwane City also claim opening victories in the PSL; Pirates also open a new Mall of Africa store. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orlando-pirates-start-season-with-2-0-victory-over-milford ### 2026-07-30: Orlando Pirates launch Betway Premiership campaign against newcomers Milford Orlando Pirates kick off the 2026‑27 Betway Premiership against promoted Milford on 1 August, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou staying, squad numbers updated and midfielder Rele Mofokeng departed. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orlando-pirates-launch-betway-premiership-campaign-against-newcomers-milford ### 2026-07-27: Orlando Pirates announce new signings and launch 2026/27 jerseys ahead of title defence Orlando Pirates signed nine new players, launched adidas 2026/27 jerseys costing R1,399, and celebrated award wins as they prepare to defend their title in a season opener on 1 August 2026. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orlando-pirates-gear-up-for-new-season-as-coach-ouaddou-reaffirms-stay-and-appollis-rejects-transfer ### 2026-07-27: Orlando Pirates Sign Norwegian Striker Sebastian Pedersen for 2026/27 Season Orlando Pirates have signed Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen on a two‑year deal, aiming to boost their attack ahead of defending the Betway Premiership title. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/orlando-pirates-sign-norwegian-striker-sebastian-pedersen --- Cite as: Orlando Pirates 2026/27 title defence kickoff. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/orlando-pirates-202627-season-preparations