Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap looks at some big tactical claims from coach Ouaddou and the latest transfer rumours.

Ouaddou stresses importance of leaders at Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has stressed the importance of dotting leaders throughout the spine of his team, with his goalkeeper setting the tone. The defending Betway Premiership champions have kept 11 clean sheets from 15 competitive matches this term.

Pirates interested in Witbooi

For now, Pirates retain an interest in Cape Town City star Emile Witbooi. City chairman John Comitis previously admitted that the Buccaneers had made an offer for their star youngster.

Chaine stakes his claim as the best goalkeeper in South Africa

Sipho Chaine claimed nine shutouts in 14 CAF Champions League outings in the 2024-25 campaign. In Pirates’ run to the Betway Premiership crown last term, the 29-year-old claimed 21 clean sheets in 30 matches. Chaine was an ever-present for the Sea Robbers, playing every single minute in the title-winning campaign. It’s no wonder he’s held in such high regard by Ouaddou and his teammates. This season, Chaine has seven shutouts from eight league appearances.

African Stars, Kaizer Chiefs on the horizon

Meanwhile, next up for Chaine and his teammates is the second leg of their CAF Champions League qualifier against African Stars on Friday, 23 October. After that, it’s the small matter of a Soweto Derby with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, 31 October.