Orlando Pirates reveal adidas third kit for 2026/27 season

Orlando Pirates and adidas have unveiled the club’s third kit for the 2026/27 season, completing the Buccaneers’ collection for the campaign.

The new jersey was launched on Saturday evening, after Pirates had previously released their black and gold home shirt and a predominantly white away strip.

The unveiling follows Orlando Pirates securing their place in the CAF Champions League group stages. The third kit has been released under the motto “there is no place like home” and is designed to reflect the club’s roots in Orlando and Soweto.

“Today, adidas and Orlando Pirates FC unveil the new third jersey for the 2026/27 season. The limited-edition jersey draws inspiration from the landscape, character and generations that have shaped the Club’s identity,” the club said in a statement.

“Rooted in Orlando, the home of the Buccaneers, the jersey tells a story of belonging, resilience and togetherness, bringing the landscape of Soweto to life through a bold, contemporary design.”

The shirt features an all-over graphic based on the distinctive shapes of Soweto. Scattered rooftops form the central pattern, representing the homes, families and communities that have influenced generations of Orlando Pirates supporters and players since the club was founded in 1937.

“Each roof represents a story. Stories of struggle and success, of generations growing up together, and of a community united by a shared identity,” the statement added.

“Brought together across the jersey, the rooftops become a collective symbol of resilience and the enduring connection between Orlando Pirates and its home.”

The shirt uses a dark base colour, complemented by maroon, light purple, dusky orange and high-resolution red accents. adidas’ three stripes and branding are incorporated into the design, while Orlando Pirates’ skull and crossbones crest is placed prominently on the front.

The crest is described as a symbol recognised by generations of Buccaneers and as an important part of the club’s identity.

An EQT-inspired collar completes the design, with a custom sign-off on the back of the neck providing an additional detail.

The club said the jersey was intended to represent more than a third playing strip, instead highlighting the relationship between Orlando Pirates and the place it has called home across generations.

“More than a third jersey, the design reflects the connection between a football club and the place it calls home, a connection built over generations and carried forward by the Buccaneers who wear, support and live the colours of Orlando Pirates,” the statement said.

The 2026/27 Orlando Pirates Third Jersey will make its first official appearance on 24 October at South Africa Fashion Week. It will feature in a dedicated fashion showcase intended to bring the club’s football heritage into a different cultural setting.

The club said supporters should watch for further details about the kit’s first on-field appearance, which have yet to be announced.