Soccer Laduma issue 1497 highlights Orlando Pirates’ blueprint for success

The 1497th edition of Soccer Laduma, available at outlets on Thursday, 22nd October 2026, examines the strategy behind Orlando Pirates’ transformation into one of South African football’s most successful clubs.

Over the past four to five years, Pirates have built a structured approach aimed at ending a league title drought that stretched back to 2012. Before that revival, the club had won only one trophy in the eight years between their 2013/14 Nedbank Cup triumph and their 2022/23 MTN8 success.

Jose Riveiro delivered five domestic trophies in three seasons and guided the club to a CAF Champions League semi-final. His successor, Abdeslam Ouaddou, won the domestic treble in his first season and brought the Betway Premiership title back to Pirates after a 14-year wait.

That run amounts to eight trophies in four years. The edition explores how clever recruitment, the promotion of young players, a willingness to sell at the right time and the appointment of leading technical staff from across the country have contributed to the Pirates project.

Zwane seeking silverware with AmaZulu FC

Arthur Zwane has spent the past few seasons strengthening his reputation as one of South Africa’s leading coaches after consistently getting the best from AmaZulu FC.

Zwane joined Usuthu in October 2024 as co-coach alongside Vusumuzi Vilakazi and has now been at the club for exactly two years. AmaZulu FC are competing near the top of the Betway Premiership, but one achievement remains absent: a trophy for the club’s cabinet.

With two knockout competitions still to play this season, Zwane is hoping his talented squad can go all the way. In an interview with Soccer Laduma, the coach discusses the prospect of finally delivering silverware and explains why discipline is central to his team.

Questions over Kaizer Chiefs’ defensive approach

Kaizer Chiefs coach Fernando Da Cruz has increasingly opted for a cautious tactical setup as the club attempts to restore its status among South Africa’s leading sides.

However, despite selecting several defensively minded players, the Soweto club continue to concede goals at crucial moments. That issue was exposed again in Zambia, where Kaizer Chiefs lost 1-0 to Red Arrows in the first leg of their CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie.

The defeat has prompted further scrutiny of the balance between defensive numbers, organisation and the ability to handle routine situations. The second leg in Durban now carries greater importance.

Elsewhere in issue 1497, Vuyo Mere reflects on a 23-year professional career shaped by resilience, sacrifice, family responsibility, friendship and personal development. Part one of his interview considers the setbacks he faced and the lessons he wants to share with younger players.

An international feature looks at Manchester United and Manchester City during the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, while former Jomo Cosmos winger Brian Sebapole discusses the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.

The Siyagobhoza section includes Sundowns monitoring Sekhukhune star, Pitso and SAFA reaching an image rights compromise, and Pirates being offered a Burkina Faso international.