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Pirates’ clash with Sekhukhune has plenty of familiar faces

rugby08 August 2025 11:00| © Mzansi Football
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Oswin Appollis © backpagepix.

Oswin Appollis wasted no time in reminding his old employer of his ability when he scored for Orlando Pirates on debut against Polokwane City in the MTN8 last weekend.

Now there is an opportunity for former players from Pirates to show their old club what they still have when the Buccaneers host Sekhukhune United on Saturday ... and vice versa.

It is the opening game of the new Betway Premiership for both clubs, who have shown plenty of ambition in the pre-season transfer market.

It is likely that the clash at the Orlando Stadium (kick off 5.30pm, live on SuperSport) will feature at least five players and coaches with past connections with the opponent.

These are the men with added motivation for the clash:

SIPHO MBULE: Last season’s performances for Sekhukhune United while on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns were enough to convince Pirates to take a punt on the midfield craftsman, even if his reputation is sullied by off-field misadventures. When Sundowns let him go at the end of last season, Pirates quickly snapped him up and he had his debut in Bucs’ colours last weekend.

LINDA MNTAMBO: The veteran striker, now 36, spent four seasons at Pirates from 2018 to 2022 but was never able to command a regular place in the starting lineup. He left for Sekhukhune in 2022 and is now at the start of his fourth season with the Limpopo-based side.

THABANG MONARE: The tough-tackling midfielder did not have his contract renewed by Pirates at the end of the 2023-24 campaign, having helped the club to three cup final successes. Sekhukhune had no hesitation in snapping him up, and he was a regular for them last season. Monare, who turns 36 next month, came on for the second half of last weekend’s MTN8 quarterfinal triumph over TS Galaxy.

MIGUEL TIMM: Released by Pirates at the end of last season after featuring as a substitute only in the entire campaign, the 33-year-old midfielder was quickly snapped up by Sekhukhune on a free transfer. He was in the starting lineup last weekend as Sekhukhune took on TS Galaxy in their MTN8 quarterfinal tie in Polokwane, but was taken off at halftime.

ERIC TINKLER: The Sekhukhune United coach was at Pirates for four years, first as assistant to Roger de Sa, the caretaker coach, and finally in charge himself, taking the club to the African Confederation Cup final in 2015. Since then he has worked at Cape Town City (two spells), SuperSport United, Chippa United, Maritzburg United, and now at Sekhukhune since March.

 

 

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