ORBIT College assistant coach Kabelo Machete has made it clear that his team holds the key in Orlando Pirates winning or losing the league this weekend.
ORBIT hosts the Buccaneers at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
A win for Pirates will see them crowned champions for the first time in 14 years but a draw or defeat will see them lose the title to Mamelodi Sundowns.
The North-West side on the otherhand need just a draw to secure PSL status.
Speaking to the media ahead of the anticipated clash, Machete warned Pirates.
“I think the premier first alluded, to say the stadium we’re going to is got a banana peel, the tears are gonna be flowing there, but we don’t know tears are gonna be from where,” Machete said as per Idiski Times.
“The mood is a very good mood for us as a team to be up against big teams we are playing tomorrow; to be the deciding. We hold the key whether [the league] it’s going to Mamelodi or whether it’s going to Orlando.”
Machete said that ORBIT holds the keys against a desperate Pirates team searching for their elusive fifth PSL tile.
“The boys know that we are holding the keys, so if you want the keys, you know where to go – to the students, so, but we’re ready for tomorrow.
“For us, it’s games like these that you don’t need to motivate the players. Where else are you gonna play in a packed stadium? Where else are you gonna play in a sold-out stadium?
Can Orbits upset Pirates?
“It’s a story of David and Goliath in the Bible. We all know the story of David and Goliath. We brought the stone [like how David used it in his sling shot], everyone can see the stone, so which means we’re David in this, so we don’t need five stones, we only need one.
“So, mentally, this is the stone that we prepared [his players] with.
“Our opposition will be praying in the other dressing room, we will be praying.
The ORBIT coach is not concerned about Pirates putting pressure on them as he believes the best team will come out top after the match.
“So, we will see if God is from Orlando or he’s from North West. It’s gonna be very difficult for all of us.
“It’s pressure game. We accept the pressure and we’ll flourish under pressure.”
Peru’s top-ranked tennis player, Ignacio Buse, believes he is currently playing the best tennis of his career following a remarkable week at the ongoing Hamburg Open in Germany.
The 22-year-old has showcased outstanding form on the clay courts of Hamburg, continuing his rapid rise on the ATP Tour and strengthening hopes that Peru may soon have another major presence in world tennis.
‘Best tennis of my life’
Ignacio Buse’s live ATP ranking is now 42nd after he reached the semi-finals in Hamburg. He will take on American lucky loser Aleksandar Kovacevic on Friday for a place in the final.
“This is the best tennis I have played in my life,” Buse said during the tournament.
“This is just a progression and I want to keep improving.”
While Buse’s performances on court are beginning to attract international attention, the Peruvian star is equally passionate about promoting his country’s culture around the world.
His uncle, Gaston Acurio, is one of South America’s most celebrated chefs and widely regarded as a global ambassador for Peruvian cuisine.
Acurio has authored several cookbooks, hosted television programmes, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2018 for his contributions to gastronomy.
‘Not good at cooking’
Despite growing up around culinary excellence, Buse admitted his own cooking skills are far more modest.
“I’m not good at cooking,” he joked.
Still, there is one traditional dish he feels confident preparing.
“My favourite dish is ceviche. It is easy to cook. It is raw fish, spicy with aji, onions, and lemon. It is fresh.
“You catch the fish, prepare it on the boat, and it is eaten before you return to shore.”
Away from tennis, Buse has embraced the role of cultural ambassador, regularly speaking about Peru’s history, cuisine, and landmarks during his travels across the global tennis circuit.
“As a Peruvian, I try to expand the Peruvian culture,” he explained.
“For example, the Incas, Machu Picchu.”
Travelled so much
His enthusiasm even became part of a recent conversation with Novak Djokovic, one of the sport’s greatest champions.
“Novak was interested in experiencing the energy of Machu Picchu,” Buse revealed.
“I tried to also tell him about the Peruvian food. I’m like an ambassador of Peru. I’ve travelled so much I try to tell everyone about Peru.”
Buse is expected to receive additional family support during the clay-court season, with Acurio planning to attend Roland Garros next week.
“My uncle is coming to Roland Garros next week,” Buse said.
“So, it will be very special to be together with him.”
Biggest challenges
The young Peruvian now faces one of the biggest challenges of his career when he takes on Russia’s Andrey Rublev in the opening round of Roland Garros.
“It will be the first time I have qualified directly into the main draw,” Buse said.
With his confidence soaring and his profile rapidly growing, Buse appears poised not only to lead the next generation of Peruvian tennis, but also to become one of the country’s most recognisable sporting ambassadors on the international stage.
Dave Marshall is reporting exclusively from the 2026 Hamburg Open in Germany for The South African.
Hugo Broos has once again overlooked fan favourite Thembinkosi Lorch after naming Bafana Bafana’s32-man preliminary squad for FIFA World Cup 2026.
The provisional squad, announced on Thursday, includes several familiar faces ahead of the final squad reveal at the Union Buildings on Wednesday, 27 May.
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Notable inclusions
Among the notable inclusions is Brandon Petersen, who earns a call-up after impressive performances for Kaizer Chiefs this season.
Young talents such as Ime Okon, Siphephelo Sithole, Thapelo Maseko and Evidence Makgopa have also made the cut.
However, Lorch’s absence is again likely to spark debate among supporters.
The 32-year-old attacker, now playing for Al Ittihad after leaving Wydad Casablanca, has rediscovered form and remains a popular figure among South African fans.
Calls for his return
Lorch, who famously scored the winner against Egypt at the 2019 AFCON, has repeatedly been left out by Broos despite calls for his return following his standout performances at the FIFA Club World Cup.
Broos has consistently defended the decision, insisting he believes there are stronger options in Bafana’s attacking set-up.
With the final squad still to be trimmed, Lorch appears set to miss out on football’s biggest stage, leaving many fans questioning whether the door has closed permanently on the former Orlando Pirates star.
READ | The full cost for Bafana Bafana fans travelling to Mexico revealed
This is your daily destination for news updates on Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and all your favourite PSL clubs, including form guides and historical trivia covering all 16 Betway Premiership teams.
You can also find the latest league standings, recent results and fixture updates from across the local game.
GAUTENG GIANTS
Kaizer Chiefs
Latest News: Amakhosi will face Chippa United without Glody Lilepo and Flavio Da Silva due to yellow card suspensions (source PSL)
Recent Result: AmaZulu FC 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Next PSLFixture: Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United (23 May, 15:00)
Current Log Status: 3rd Place (54 Points).
DID YOU KNOW?
What is the official club website for Kaizer Chiefs? The official website for Amakhosi is kaizerchiefs.com, where updates, player profiles, and news are published directly from Naturena.
The primary home stadium of Kaizer Chiefs?
The primary home ground for the Glamour Boys is FNB Stadium(Soccer City) in Nasrec, Johannesburg, which is situated at 26°14′05″S 27°58′56″E.
Orlando Pirates
Latest News: Former Buccaneers striker Andries Sebola has urged the team to avoid the overconfidence they showed against Durban City when they face Orbit College (source: Independend Media)
Recent Result:Orlando Pirates 0-0 Durban City
Next Fixture: Orbit College vs Orlando Pirates (23 May, 15:00)
Current Log place: 2nd Place (66 Points).
What is the primary home stadium of Orlando Pirates?
The fortress of the Buccaneers is the Orlando Amstel Arena (Orlando Stadium) in Soweto, Johannesburg, which is situated at 26°14′05″S 27°54′58″E.
Mamelodi Sundowns
Latest News: Masandawana have finally landed in Morocco after they were airplane grounded in Johannesburg on Tuesday (source: eNCA)
Recent PSL result:TS Galaxy 3-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Next Fixture: Season Completed (Played all 30 games) – They face AS FAR in the second leg CAF Champions League final on Sunday
Current Log Status: 1st Place (68 Points).
What is the primary home stadium of Mamelodi Sundowns?
The primary home ground for the league leaders is Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Arcadia, Pretoria, which is situated at 25°45′12″S 28°13′22″E.
DID YOU KNOW?
Which Gauteng club holds the record for the most league titles in the PSL era? Mamelodi Sundowns are the undisputed kings of this league, boasting 15 titles, including a staggering consecutive title dynasty from the 2017/18 to 2024/25.
Also read: Latest report: Kaizer Chiefs bosses to name a new coach
Latest News: Coach Arthur Zwane has said Usuthu will be ready to compete for trophies next season
Recent PSLResult: AmaZulu FC 0-1 Kaizer Chiefs
Next Fixture: Durban City FC vs AmaZulu FC (23 May, 15:00).
Lamontville Golden Arrows
Latest News: Arrows secured a top-eight Betway Premiership finish with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chippa United
Recent Result: Chippa United 0-2 Golden Arrows
Next Fixture: Golden Arrows vs TS Galaxy (23 May, 15:00).
Durban City FC
Latest News: Coach Pitso Dladla has explained that Darren Keet was dropped against Orlando Pirates because Fredrick Asare has regained full fitness
Recent Result: Orlando Pirates 0-0 Durban City FC
Next Fixture: Durban City FC vs AmaZulu FC (23 May, 15:00).
Richards Bay FC
Latest News: Coach Ronnie Gabriel says the team wants to maintain their six-match unbeaten run
Recent Result: Richards Bay 1-1 Sekhukhune United
Next Fixture: Magesi FC vs Richards Bay (23 May, 15:00).
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs star leaves big decision in God’s hands
DID YOU KNOW?
The primary home venue for AmaZulu FC? Usuthu host their main league games at the World Cup-grade Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, which is situated at 29°49′46″S 31°01′49″E.
What is the primary home stadium of Lamontville Golden Arrows? Abafana Bes’thende alternate home matchdays, with their primary base designated at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, situated at 29°58′16″S 30°54′08″E.
The primary home stadium of Durban City FC? The newly rebranded Citizens host their domestic campaign fixtures at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban, which is situated at 29°54′37″S 30°52′38″E.
What is the primary home venue for Richards Bay FC? The Natal Rich Boys command their home support out of the Richards Bay Stadium in uMhlathuze, which is situated at 28°44′36″S 32°03′21″E.
Limpopo & North West Teams
Sekhukhune United
Latest News: The club has agreed on terms to sign Thabang Mahlangu from Siwelele FC
Recent PSL Result: Richards Bay 1-1 Sekhukhune United
Next Fixture: Sekhukhune United vs Siwelele (23 May, 15:00).
Polokwane City
Latest News: Rise and Shine shared the spoils with Marumo Gallants but remain inside the Betway Premiership top eight
Recent Result: Polokwane City 1-1 Marumo Gallants
Next Fixture: Season Completed (Played all 30 games).
Magesi FC
Latest News: Coach Allan Freese says the team will maximise home advantage to survive relegation this weekend
Recent Result: Siwelele 1-0 Magesi FC
Next Fixture: Magesi FC vs Richards Bay (23 May, 15:00).
Orbit College FC
Latest News: The Mswenko Boys have hiked this weekend’s tickets from R40 and R60 to R100
Recent Result: Stellenbosch FC 2-0 Orbit College FC
Next Fixture: Orbit College FC vs Orlando Pirates (23 May, 15:00).
Also read: Latest reports: Next Kaizer Chiefs head coach
DID YOU KNOW
What is the primary home venue for Sekhukhune United? Babina Noko process high-stakes home matchdays primarily at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, which is situated at 23°55′29″S 29°28′08″E.
The primary home venue for Polokwane City? Rise and Shine utilize the old section of the city infrastructure, layout matches out at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium, situated at 23°55′26″S 29°27′52″E.
The primary home ground for Magesi FC? The top-flight rookies play their home fixtures across town at the same Peter Mokaba Stadium hub, located at 23°55′29″S 29°28′08″E.
What is the primary home venue for Orbit College FC? The Motsepe Foundation graduates use the Royal Bafokeng Stadium near Rustenburg as their premium venue, which is situated at 25°34′43″S 27°09′39″E.
Free State & Mpumalanga Outfits
Siwelele FC (Formerly known as Bloemfontein Celtic)
Latest News: Head coach Lehlohonolo Seema has said Kaizer Chiefs loanees Samkelo Zwane and Happy Mashiane can return if Amakhosi make that decision
Recent Result: Siwelele 1-0 Magesi FC
Next Fixture: Sekhukhune United vs Siwelele (23 May, 15:00).
Marumo Gallants
Latest News: Gallants could still surive relegation on the final day of the season
Recent PSL Result: Polokwane City 1-1 Marumo Gallants
Next Fixture: Marumo Gallants vs Stellenbosch FC (23 May, 15:00).
TS Galaxy
Latest News: The Rockets have sent a message of goodluck to Sundowns ahead of their CAF Champions League second leg final
Recent Result: TS Galaxy 3-2 Mamelodi Sundowns
Next Fixture: Golden Arrows vs TS Galaxy (23 May, 15:00).
Also read: Scouting for Kaizer Chiefs: Midfielders to sign – Part 2
DID YOU KNOW
What is the primary home venue for Siwelele (formerly Bloemfontein Celtic)?
The historical Bloemfontein-based fan favorites play out of the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium in Mangaung, situated at 29°08′07″S 26°15′54″E.
What is the primary home field of Marumo Gallants? Bahlabane Ba Ntwa play at the Dr. Petrus Molemela Stadium, located at 29°08′07″S 26°15′54″E.
What is the primary home ground of TS Galaxy? The Rockets stage their elite football events at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit, which is situated at 25°27′42″S 30°55′47″E.
Coastal Forces (Western & Eastern Cape)
Stellenbosch FC
Latest News: 21-year-old winger Langelihle Phili has won the club’s Players’ Player of the Season, Rama Fans’ Footballer of the Season, Oswin Andries Young Player of the Season and Golden Boot awards
Recent Result: Stellenbosch FC 2-0 Orbit College FC
Next Fixture: Marumo Gallants vs Stellenbosch FC (23 May, 15:00).
Chippa United
Latest News: The club has appointed Brandon Truter to take charge of their final match of the season
Recent Result: Chippa United 0-2 Golden Arrows
Next PSLFixture: Kaizer Chiefs vs Chippa United (23 May, 15:00).
DID YOU KNOW
What is the primary home ground for Stellenbosch FC? The Winelands outfit welcomes league rivals to the Danie Craven Stadium in Stellenbosch, which is situated at 33°56′34″S 18°52′23″E.
What is the primary home venue for Chippa United? The Chilli Boys host their high-profile matchups out of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, which is situated at 33°56′16″S 25°35′56″E.
MATCHDAY ALERTS & PLAYOFF PERMUTATIONS
TITLE RACE WARNING:
Scenario: If Orlando Pirates win their final game in hand away to Orbit College on 23 May, they will hit 69 points to officially dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns. A draw or loss crowns Masandwana.
RELEGATION PLAYOFF ADVISORY:
Status:Marumo Gallants must match or better Orbit College’s final result to avoid sliding into the dreaded 15th-place PSL Promotion/Relegation Playoff spot.
Also read: Kaizer Chiefs join Orlando Pirates in race for PSL midfielder
Soccer statistical verification data and logs curated via the official Premier Soccer League and archive records on Transfermarkt South Africa.
Kaizer Chiefs management faces several major decisions regarding the club’s technical team ahead of next season.
Firstly, the Amakhosi hierarchy must decide whether to retain Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef in the current setup.
The latest news suggests they won’t be renewing the contracts of Kaze and Youssef, opting instead for fresh ideas in the coaching box.
If confirmed, attention will then turn to whether the club should appoint a new head coach to lead the team forward.
Should Kaizer Chiefs opt for a new coach, these are the two leading candidates linked with the coveted and prestigious Amakhosi hot seat.
1. THE FRONT-RUNNER: MANQOBA MNGQITHI
As previously reported by The South African, Manqoba Mngqithi has emerged as the front-runner to take charge of Kaizer Chiefs next season.
It is also possible that Kaze and Youssef will stay on, but not in a head coach capacity.
Reports in recent days have suggested that Amakhosi management are considering a structure that would see former Mamelodi Sundowns coach Mngqithi come in as head coach, while Kaze and Youssef remain part of the technical team.
“Based on reliable information, those two coaches are staying,” respected Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates insider Innocent Mkhize said on X.
“The plan at Kaizer Chiefs is to add one senior figure to the technical team, with Manqoba Mngqithi currently top of the list,” he added.
Furthermore, Mngqithi’s extensive PSL experience and proven success at the highest level make him an attractive option for a club seeking stability and long-term progress.
ALSO READ – KAIZER CHIEFS: THREE FUTURE BAFANA BAFANA STARS
2. THE FAN-FAVOURITE: PITSO MOSIMANE (FREE AGENT)
Meanwhile, Pitso Mosimane remains available.
Significantly, Mosimane has previously expressed openness to coaching Kaizer Chiefs.
His reputation, trophy cabinet and continental pedigree continue to place him among the most respected coaches in African football.
Consequently, the possibility of Mosimane joining the Glamour Boys cannot be ruled out entirely.
The next move rests with Kaizer Chiefs’ top brass.
However, at the time of publication, Mosimane has reportedly not received any formal offer or official approach from Kaizer Chiefs.
ALSO READ – KAIZER CHIEFS: HIGHEST-PAID AMAKHOSI LEGEND AND HIS SALARY REVEALED!
SHOULD KAIZER CHIEFS KEEP KAZE AND YOUSSEF OR SHOULD THEY HIRE A NEW COACH?
Mark Alexander, president of SA Rugby, has congratulated Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus, who was honoured with the National Order of Ikhamanga in Gold by the Presidency on Tuesday.
The Order of Ikhamanga recognises South African citizens who have excelled in the fields of arts, culture, literature, music, journalism and sport.
‘Inspirational leadership’
According to the Presidency, Erasmus was nominated to receive the Order for his “inspirational leadership in national and international rugby that has propelled the Springboks to repeated Rugby World Cup championships.
“Victory on the field of play has advanced social cohesion among South Africans and raised the nation’s esteem in the international community,” said the Presidency.
‘Heartfelt congratulations’
Alexander said: “On behalf of SA Rugby, I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Rassie Erasmus on the announcement of his receiving the Order of Ikhamanga in Gold.
“This prestigious honour is a fitting recognition of his outstanding contribution to rugby and to the promotion of social cohesion in our country.
“Rassie’s achievements have united South Africans across communities, instilling pride and inspiring a spirit of togetherness through the game we love. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the sport and on our nation.
“We are honoured to celebrate this milestone with him. Rassie Erasmus is a true son of the South African soil, and this accolade reflects the immense impact he has had both on and off the field.”
A trio of Orlando Pirates stars will play no part in the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026.
While much focus is naturally placed on the players who will be selected to represent their countries on football’s greatest stage, spare a thought for those who miss out on selection – or those whose country did not qualify.
Unfortunately, for these THREE Orlando Pirates stars they will have to accept that they will not be a part of the tournament to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July 2026.
ORLANDO PIRATES TRIO SET TO MISS 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP
As reported on The South African, Orlando Pirates players Deivi Miguel Vieira (Angola) and Abdoulaye Mariko (Cameroon) will play no part.
This is because both African sides failed to qualify for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Andre de Jong has been omitted from New Zealand’s final squad.
BUCS SET TO FEATURE PROMINENTLY IN BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD
Meanwhile, Orlando Pirates had six players in Hugo Broos’s 23-man squad for Bafana Bafana’s back-to-back most recent friendlies against Panama.
Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Thalente Mbatha and Nkosinathi Sibisi all made the cut.
Most, if not all, of these Bucs stars are expected to feature in Broos’s final squad set to be named on Wednesday, 27 May.
In fact, the Soweto giants could have one or two more stars feature.
Sipho Chaine narrowly missing out due to ‘disciplinary issues’. However, he has seemingly corrected these issues and is one of the favoured goalkeepers to to board the flight to Mexico.
It appears to be a direct shoot-out between Kaizer Chiefs captain Brandon Petersen and Chaine for the third and final ‘keeper spot along with skipper Ronwen Williams and Ricardo Goss.
Meanwhile, Renaldo Leaner is a wildcard bet.
Petersen has staked a strong last-minute claim for a Bafana Bafana call-up following his man of the match performance in the most recent Soweto derby where he almost single-handedly help inspire Kaizer Chiefs to a surprise 1-1 draw with Orlando Pirates.
Thereafter, he made two huge saves against Mamelodi Sundowns in a subsequent match, including a brilliant effort in the 96th minute to keep The Brazilians at bay.
SOWETO GIANTS ON THE BRINK OF HISTORY
Looking at the Betway Premiership title race, Orlando Pirates lie potentially 90 minutes away from ending a 14-year drought since they last lifted the PSL trophy.
Orlando Pirates need just a win – by any score – against Orbit College in their final fixture on Saturday, 23 May (15:00) to edge defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns and be crowned champions.
Bucs were helped greatly in the quest for silverware by Petersen’s heroics in goal against Masandawana as well as TS Galaxy’s shock 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in their final fixture or the season.
WHICH ORLANDO PIRATES PLAYERS DO YOU THINK WILL BE SELECTED IN HUGO BROOS’ FINAL BAFANA BAFANA SQUAD FOR FIFA WORLD CUP 2026?
Let us know your predictions in the comments section below …
Increasingly it looks as if the Sharks will be undergoing a squad overhaul from next season, with a number of players heading overseas or coming to the end of their contracts.
In one bit of player movement news that has been rumoured for some time, it has been confirmed that Springbok scrumhalf Grant Williams will be joining a Japanese club after this season.
The 29-year-old has firmly established himself in the top two of the Springboks’ pecking order at scrumhalf over the last couple of seasons, but he will rest easy in the knowledge that Rassie Erasmus has consistently shown a willingness to select players based in Japan and Europe.
Sharks hoping for strong finish to the season
The Sharks’ hopes of reaching the URC playoffs sustained a huge blow as they went down 21-17 against the Opsreys this past weekend, while are also set to miss on Champions Cup qualification for next season.
It has ultimately left a lot of questions for coach JP Pietersen to answer.
“We got a lot of territory and possession and played some great rugby, which was positive to see and showed that we can be good when we stick to the plan. But in saying that we were not clinical or ruthless enough when opportunities came and we created enough opportunities when we got into their 22,” he commented after the Ospreys game.
“There seemed to be a lack of concentration, by losing the ball and letting Ospreys off the hook, with not converting opportunities into points.
“If you don’t take opportunities you put pressure on yourselves to get the next play in and the more pressure you put on yourselves, this resulted in the unforced errors we saw.”
They are essentially in “must-win” territory for every remaining game – and will need to rely on other results going their way – to sneak into the top eight.
Former Orlando Pirates star Dan Malesela has urged Kaizer Chiefs to retain Khanyisa Mayo beyond his current loan spell, backing the striker to come good despite a modest return so far.
The 27-year-old forward joined Amakhosi on loan from Algerian side CR Belouizdad at the start of the season, but has struggled to make a significant impact, scoring just twice in 13 appearances in all competitions.
With the likes of Glody Lilepo and Flávio Silva finding the back of the net more consistently, questions have been raised over whether Chiefs should exercise their option to sign Mayo permanently.
The Soweto giants are believed to have the opportunity to buy the striker, but his limited output has left many supporters unconvinced about committing significant funds.
However, Malesela, who has coached several PSL clubs including TS Galaxy and Chippa United,believes Mayo offers something different compared to most local forwards.
The experienced tactician argues that Mayo possesses a rare profile in South African football, highlighting his movement, intelligence, and ability to link play as qualities that are often overlooked when judging strikers purely on goals.
According to Malesela, Chiefs could benefit from showing patience, as Mayo’s overall contribution to the team may become more valuable with time and consistency.
As Amakhosi weigh up their options ahead of next season, the decision on Mayo could prove crucial, particularly as the club looks to build a more balanced and effective attacking unit.
Chiefs told to keep Mayo
“It depends on what Chiefs see and what they want from him,” Malesela told KickOff.
“What is not nice is that sometimes he doesn’t play, or he comes from the bench. When you have a player who comes with a reputation, you expect him to play all the time.”
“I’m not sure whether Chiefs would want to keep him or not, but with the way strikers of Mayo’s quality are so scarce, I would keep him at the club,” he continued. “Where are you going to find another striker? As a team and a coach, I would rather keep him and use him the way I would want to use him next season,” he said.
Orlando Pirates are looking to end the season on a high following their commanding 3-0 victory over AmaZulu on Saturday.
With five matches remaining, the Buccaneers still have a chance to win the Betway Premiership. They are currently top of the log with 58 points however rivals Mamelodi Sundowns have two games in hand.
For Pirates to win the league, they need to win all their remaining games and hope Downs drop points in at least two matches.
Having won two trophies already this season, the Buccaneers have earned around R17 million and will add R20 million if they win the league.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insists his side are still in with a chance to win the league. After the AmaZulu win, the Moroccan tactician felt his team should have netted seven goals.
“We have accomplished the game that we wanted. Starting with the high intensity to try to suffocate this team,” the coach stated passionately.
Orlando Pirates still in the title race
“We know that it’s a very good team. We scored in the first half. What I asked my players at halftime was to keep going.
“I think we just made some adjustments in order to keep scoring. I think, to be honest, it’s a game that could have finished with 7-0. But let’s be happy for the boys,” Ouaddou added.
Orlando Pirates dominant win saw Relebohile Mofokeng score his 10th league goal of the season. The taleted winger has scored 11 times and provided 10 assists across all competitions for the Buccaneers this campaign.
He looks set to leave the Soweto giants after four years at the club.
Another player who could also leave Pirates at the end of the season is Makhehlene Makhaula. At 37, he is the oldest player in the squad and has indicated that he would retire if Orlando Pirates win the league this season.
