Orlando Pirates begin title defence as Kaizer Chiefs era starts under Fernando da Cruz

Orlando Pirates launch their Betway Premiership title defence at home to newly promoted Milford FC on Saturday, with coach Abdeslam Ouaddou insisting last season’s long-awaited triumph cannot be allowed to dull their hunger.

The 2026/27 Betway Premiership season begins this weekend, but the build-up has been overshadowed by the death of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Jayden Adams. Sundowns’ opening fixture against Marumo Gallants has been postponed following the tragedy, which has also disrupted the champions-elect’s pre-season plans.

At Orlando Stadium, Pirates step into the campaign in the unfamiliar role of defending champions after ending a 14-year wait for the league title in dramatic fashion last term. Ouaddou, who was named PSL Coach of the Season after a remarkable debut campaign, is determined his side avoid complacency.

“Of course, I am very proud of everyone for what we achieved last season. After 14 years we achieved something great thanks to the efforts of everyone at the club,” Ouaddou said.

“But we can’t look at this trophy every day and forget that we have another season coming. We have celebrated enough and this week the new season starts and we have to set new objectives for us.”

The Moroccan coach, who arrived in South Africa with relatively little fanfare before masterminding Pirates’ title surge, framed personal accolades as secondary to sustaining success.

“Individually, for the players, it’s important, but also collectively as a team, we have to be ambitious. We need to be hungry again about winning titles and competitions,” he added.

“My only motivation in football is winning and winning titles. I look forward to, with my players, setting the tone and showing to the people that we still want to win.”

Chiefs begin new chapter under Da Cruz

Across Soweto, Kaizer Chiefs enter the new season with renewed optimism as Fernando da Cruz prepares for his first competitive league match in charge.

Amakhosi travel to Mbombela Stadium to face top-flight newcomers Kruger United, aiming to turn a positive pre-season into an opening-day victory and signal a fresh start after several underwhelming campaigns.

Da Cruz has overseen an intensive build-up that included a training camp in Spain and a testing outing in the Toyota Cup, and he believes those preparations have laid a solid foundation.

“For the moment, the feeling is really good. We had a good pre-season, our camp in Spain, and we played a tough game in the Toyota Cup,” Da Cruz said.

“I’m very happy about the mindset of the players. This season will be tough and long, but we are looking forward to starting off on a good note.”

With Chiefs’ recent seasons characterised by a relatively reliable defence but persistent attacking shortcomings, Da Cruz has placed particular emphasis on reshaping the team’s forward play into a more fluid, modern system.

“The mindset of the squad is very good. We work hard every day. There is an emphasis on the collective and not the individual, which is very good,” he noted.

“We’re also working hard on the offensive part of the game, which is not just the strikers and wingers, but the whole team, our attacking transition.

“It will take time for the players to gel in the game model, how we attack and how we defend together. We want to be a team who can play different types of football.”

Background to a new campaign

Pirates’ shift from outsiders to favourites and Chiefs’ attempt to reboot under a new head coach add extra intrigue to an opening weekend already carrying emotional weight following Adams’ death.

The champions face the immediate challenge of handling the pressure that comes with being the team to beat, while Chiefs look to end their recent struggles in front of goal and re-establish themselves as genuine title contenders.

For Ouaddou and Da Cruz, the first round of fixtures offers an early chance to show that last season’s storylines – Pirates’ resurgence and Chiefs’ inconsistency – may be set for a significant rewrite.