Big Soweto derby. Pirates (2nd) travel to Kaizer Chiefs (4th)
Unused sub in a 3-0 win for Pirates.
ADJ hasn't done much this PSL season at either Stellies (2 goals, 1 assist) or Pirates (nothing to date).
Overtaken in the AWs selection rankings by Bayliss.
ADJ hasn't done much this PSL season at either Stellies (2 goals, 1 assist) or Pirates (nothing to date).
Overtaken in the AWs selection rankings by Bayliss.
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Thursday, Pirates (1st, on GD from Sundowns) travel to Polokwane City (7th)
https://us.soccerway.com/game/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/polokwane-city-ADz8rR88/?mid=GK2EfTwp
https://us.soccerway.com/game/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/polokwane-city-ADz8rR88/?mid=GK2EfTwp
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Pirates (2nd) travel to TS Galaxy (9th). One of Myer Bevan's old clubs.
https://us.soccerway.com/game/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/ts-galaxy-KUDSx8jo/?mid=6VOoIrg5
ADJ has 118 mins in 8 PSL games for Pirates. Even with Singh out I think his spot in the March AWs squad is questionable.
https://us.soccerway.com/game/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/ts-galaxy-KUDSx8jo/?mid=6VOoIrg5
ADJ has 118 mins in 8 PSL games for Pirates. Even with Singh out I think his spot in the March AWs squad is questionable.
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ADJ starts but is off at HT with Pirates up 3-0.
TS Galaxy had a player sent off in only the 4th minute.
ADJ's replacement got 2 assists in the 2nd half as it finished 6-0.
It might have been a tactical change at HT, as Pirates (1st, 51 pts) smelt blood against a 10 man opponent and a chance to improve their GD.
The title battle with Sundowns (2nd, 50 pts, game in hand) is very tight and might yet come down to GD.
Still ADJ's stats in the PSL this season (Stellies & Pirates) continue to be unimpressive. At face value lucky to be in the AWs squad.
TS Galaxy had a player sent off in only the 4th minute.
ADJ's replacement got 2 assists in the 2nd half as it finished 6-0.
It might have been a tactical change at HT, as Pirates (1st, 51 pts) smelt blood against a 10 man opponent and a chance to improve their GD.
The title battle with Sundowns (2nd, 50 pts, game in hand) is very tight and might yet come down to GD.
Still ADJ's stats in the PSL this season (Stellies & Pirates) continue to be unimpressive. At face value lucky to be in the AWs squad.
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I believe it was a tactical change.
It has been a very difficult season for him (stats wise) but to be fair to him, it's very difficult to come to a big club like Orlando Pirates and perform.
Nobody expected Stellenbosch to have such a difficult season. Analysts predicted the lose of quality players (and replacing them with young reserves) would have an effect on their performances and league position but nobody said a relegation fight.
At Orlando Pirates his competing against 3 Bafana creative midfieders in this team. Their style of play is completely different to Stellenbosch. At Stellenbosch, he was the centre of their attack play, but at OP, Mofokeng(21) dictates. Mofokeng, who got a hattrick in the last game and leads the league with assists, will definitely be leaving in July (hopefully to Minnesota because Cam desperately needs him). His going to need time to adjust, but the good thing is his getting game time. Also, the games he has played, his been incredibly unlucky not to score more goals.
I get what you saying as it's a WC year. He does not suit Baze preferred formation of 4-3-3 - (he suits 4-2-3-1), so not even sure why he gets picked. Hopefully he gets game time next week, so fans can see what he can offer.
It has been a very difficult season for him (stats wise) but to be fair to him, it's very difficult to come to a big club like Orlando Pirates and perform.
Nobody expected Stellenbosch to have such a difficult season. Analysts predicted the lose of quality players (and replacing them with young reserves) would have an effect on their performances and league position but nobody said a relegation fight.
At Orlando Pirates his competing against 3 Bafana creative midfieders in this team. Their style of play is completely different to Stellenbosch. At Stellenbosch, he was the centre of their attack play, but at OP, Mofokeng(21) dictates. Mofokeng, who got a hattrick in the last game and leads the league with assists, will definitely be leaving in July (hopefully to Minnesota because Cam desperately needs him). His going to need time to adjust, but the good thing is his getting game time. Also, the games he has played, his been incredibly unlucky not to score more goals.
I get what you saying as it's a WC year. He does not suit Baze preferred formation of 4-3-3 - (he suits 4-2-3-1), so not even sure why he gets picked. Hopefully he gets game time next week, so fans can see what he can offer.
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Endorsed by
Pirates (2nd) host Golden Arrows (8th).
https://us.soccerway.com/game/golden-arrows-C6CjDdNg/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/?mid=G0rUULxB
Sundowns (1st) 2 points ahead of Pirates, with 8 PSL matches to go.
https://us.soccerway.com/game/golden-arrows-C6CjDdNg/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/?mid=G0rUULxB
Sundowns (1st) 2 points ahead of Pirates, with 8 PSL matches to go.
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Hits the posted in the 92 minute (incredibly unlucky) which rebounds for the 5th goal. Assist for Adj
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Orlando Pirates (2nd) travel to Richards Bay (11th)
https://us.soccerway.com/game/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/richards-bay-noDZhkBM/?mid=EVr3saMG
https://us.soccerway.com/game/orlando-pirates-p4SF9EMI/richards-bay-noDZhkBM/?mid=EVr3saMG
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Richards Bay 2 - 2 Orlando Pirates
Adj off the pine on the 67 minute (replacing Appollis, who scored OP 1st goal). A replacement that fans were surprised and not happy with as Appollis is a regular goalscorer(according to media). So regular that Chicago Fire came calling for him in January in fact. OP refused after they had already sold another player to CF the same offseason.
Adj scores on the 89 minute but it's ruled as an infringement on the goalkeeper. Which is was lol. See the highlights.
The draw is obviously not good for OP title hopes as Mamelodi Sundowns looks unlikely to drop any points going into the final stretch.
Would recommend a watch. Highlights on YT. 4 outstanding goals.
Adj off the pine on the 67 minute (replacing Appollis, who scored OP 1st goal). A replacement that fans were surprised and not happy with as Appollis is a regular goalscorer(according to media). So regular that Chicago Fire came calling for him in January in fact. OP refused after they had already sold another player to CF the same offseason.
Adj scores on the 89 minute but it's ruled as an infringement on the goalkeeper. Which is was lol. See the highlights.
The draw is obviously not good for OP title hopes as Mamelodi Sundowns looks unlikely to drop any points going into the final stretch.
Would recommend a watch. Highlights on YT. 4 outstanding goals.
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So yipe ADJ on at 67 mins (Pirates trailing 2-1) as it finishes 2-2.
Costly draw for OP (2nd, 55 pts) who likely lose ground on leaders Sundowns (56 pts & game in hand).
Sundowns juggling a 2 legged CAF Champions League semi final against Esperance Tunis.
ADJ with 201 mins over 7 PSL games with Pirates. 0 goals, 0 assists.
Before his move to the big Soweto club, in the early part of the season he had 2 goals & 1 assist in the PSL with Stellies.
Costly draw for OP (2nd, 55 pts) who likely lose ground on leaders Sundowns (56 pts & game in hand).
Sundowns juggling a 2 legged CAF Champions League semi final against Esperance Tunis.
ADJ with 201 mins over 7 PSL games with Pirates. 0 goals, 0 assists.
Before his move to the big Soweto club, in the early part of the season he had 2 goals & 1 assist in the PSL with Stellies.
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No ADJ, as Pirates win 3-0.
Pirates (1st, 5 matches left) are 2 points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns (2nd, 7 matches left) but Sundowns have 2 games in hand.
Next for OP hosting Kaizer Chiefs in the big Soweto derby.
Pirates (1st, 5 matches left) are 2 points clear of Mamelodi Sundowns (2nd, 7 matches left) but Sundowns have 2 games in hand.
Next for OP hosting Kaizer Chiefs in the big Soweto derby.
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Southern Africa comes to a standstill for the Soweto Derby. Arguably the biggest Derby in Africa.
3rd vs 2nd could be an absolute banana skin for the Buccaneers title hopes. Mamelodi Sundowns draw against Stellies during the week gave "the ghost" real hope for League glory.
With Mamelodi Sundowns distracted with the CAF Champions League final will they slip up in the league?
Adj not likely to start but will be hoping to get off the pine in front of the 101k crowd (capacity of FNB Stadium is only 94k😂). What a game to score...🤞
3rd vs 2nd could be an absolute banana skin for the Buccaneers title hopes. Mamelodi Sundowns draw against Stellies during the week gave "the ghost" real hope for League glory.
With Mamelodi Sundowns distracted with the CAF Champions League final will they slip up in the league?
Adj not likely to start but will be hoping to get off the pine in front of the 101k crowd (capacity of FNB Stadium is only 94k😂). What a game to score...🤞
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The Cairo Derby between Al Ahly and Zamalek can be up there.
AI
It is one of Africa's most intense football rivalries, historically drawing massive crowds of up to 120,000 at Cairo International Stadium. While high-stakes matches often see capacity crowds, recent matchups have featured tightened security, with 35,000 tickets authorized for events in 2025.
Historical Peak: Records show attendances reaching 100,000 to 120,000 in the past.
Average/Reported Crowd: 70,000–75,000
Wydad Casablanca Vs Raja Casablanca (Morocco) also a biggie.
I think ADJ needs to get mins in a game like the Soweto derby to warrant WC inclusion.
AI
It is one of Africa's most intense football rivalries, historically drawing massive crowds of up to 120,000 at Cairo International Stadium. While high-stakes matches often see capacity crowds, recent matchups have featured tightened security, with 35,000 tickets authorized for events in 2025.
Historical Peak: Records show attendances reaching 100,000 to 120,000 in the past.
Average/Reported Crowd: 70,000–75,000
Wydad Casablanca Vs Raja Casablanca (Morocco) also a biggie.
I think ADJ needs to get mins in a game like the Soweto derby to warrant WC inclusion.
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Cannot see Adj getting picked for WC squad. Baze considers him a no.9 (as per Chile game), which is not his best position at all. Think Randall does a better job, besides if Woodsy is 52% fit, his getting picked.
I wasn't thinking in terms of stadium capacity only but also on TV ratings (fan participation). PSL is watched across Subsahara Africa. YouTube will show Nigerian TV, influences discussing the Soweto Derby. No doubt the Egyptian Derby is massive but not sure if it's popularity stretches across North Africa, as there are so many great derbies in other North African countries. Maybe it does and I'm being super unfair and ignorant.
I wasn't thinking in terms of stadium capacity only but also on TV ratings (fan participation). PSL is watched across Subsahara Africa. YouTube will show Nigerian TV, influences discussing the Soweto Derby. No doubt the Egyptian Derby is massive but not sure if it's popularity stretches across North Africa, as there are so many great derbies in other North African countries. Maybe it does and I'm being super unfair and ignorant.
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Endorsed by
ADJ an unused sub in a 1-1 draw.
Pirates (1st) 1 pt ahead of Sundowns (2nd), but Sundowns a game in hand.
Pirates (1st) 1 pt ahead of Sundowns (2nd), but Sundowns a game in hand.
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A trip to him former club for ADJ. Pirates (1st) play at Stellenbosch (9th).
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Sundowns (now 1st) have had a pair of PSL wins over Polokwane, H&A over a few days.
Sundowns now 5 pts clear of Pirates (2nd), but OP the game in hand.
Must win against Stellenbosch tonight for Pirates.
Sundowns also juggling the two legged CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat later this month.
Sundowns now 5 pts clear of Pirates (2nd), but OP the game in hand.
Must win against Stellenbosch tonight for Pirates.
Sundowns also juggling the two legged CAF Champions League final against FAR Rabat later this month.
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ADJ on at 76 mins (2-) in a 2-0 win for Pirates at Stellenbosch.
So OP (2nd) trail Sundowns (1st) by 2 points, both teams with 3 PSL games to play.
Pirates will defintely finish as least 2nd and therefore be in the CAF Champions league next season. They are 15 points clear of Kaizer Chiefs (3rd)
So OP (2nd) trail Sundowns (1st) by 2 points, both teams with 3 PSL games to play.
Pirates will defintely finish as least 2nd and therefore be in the CAF Champions league next season. They are 15 points clear of Kaizer Chiefs (3rd)
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Mamelodi Sundowns 1 - 1 Kaizer Chiefs
(1st) vs (3rd)
Mamelodi Sundowns drop points at a crucial stage of the league and handing the advantage to Adj, Orlando Pirates. In a game that was more akin to Karate than football, temperatures ran hot and kicks came flying in.
The highlights on YouTube look brutal with about 2 or 3 players coming off due to injury. Referee was totally absent or incompetent to run such an important game in the league. The real surprise is that only 1 player got sent off.
Could Adj finish this tough season with a medal? One can only hope
(1st) vs (3rd)
Mamelodi Sundowns drop points at a crucial stage of the league and handing the advantage to Adj, Orlando Pirates. In a game that was more akin to Karate than football, temperatures ran hot and kicks came flying in.
The highlights on YouTube look brutal with about 2 or 3 players coming off due to injury. Referee was totally absent or incompetent to run such an important game in the league. The real surprise is that only 1 player got sent off.
Could Adj finish this tough season with a medal? One can only hope
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Endorsed by
ADJ on at 83 mins (3-0) in a 3-0 win.
Pirates 3 pts behind Sundowns, but OP the game in hand. Going down to the wire.
Pirates 3 pts behind Sundowns, but OP the game in hand. Going down to the wire.
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Mamelodi Sundowns 2 - 3 TS Galaxy
Adj hopes of winning a league medal got a major boost tonight. TS Galaxy has become a major thorn in Sundowns side in recent history, with the same team knocking them out of the Nedbank Cup Quarter finals. A loss of key players in
defence (injury, suspension and form), is having a detrimental effect on Sundowns form. Sundowns strategy to catch up to OP goal difference advantage has also backfired.
The game on the weekend:
Mamelodi Sundowns 7 - 4 Siwele fc
Probably the game of the season but a case in point in the tactical approach to getting goals. Mamelodi Sundowns next game is the CAF Champions League Final on Sunday, which on recent form will go in as underdogs.
Orlando Pirates next game is against lowly Orbit College.
Adj hopes of winning a league medal got a major boost tonight. TS Galaxy has become a major thorn in Sundowns side in recent history, with the same team knocking them out of the Nedbank Cup Quarter finals. A loss of key players in
defence (injury, suspension and form), is having a detrimental effect on Sundowns form. Sundowns strategy to catch up to OP goal difference advantage has also backfired.
The game on the weekend:
Mamelodi Sundowns 7 - 4 Siwele fc
Probably the game of the season but a case in point in the tactical approach to getting goals. Mamelodi Sundowns next game is the CAF Champions League Final on Sunday, which on recent form will go in as underdogs.
Orlando Pirates next game is against lowly Orbit College.
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Endorsed by
Pirates (2nd, 65 pts, GD 44) host Durban City (7th).
Sundowns (1st, 68 pts, GD 36) have finished their PSL season with CAF Champions League the focus.
So Pirates with 2 games in hand on Sundowns are in the box seat. A win over Durban City and they are basically champions elect given their much better GD.
Pirates yes travel to lowly Orbit College in their last match.
That Sundowns loss at TS Galaxy yes opened the door for OP.
A PSL title will ease some of ADJ's disappointment in (rightly) missing WC selection.
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A 0-0 draw. ADJ an unused sub.
Pirates (2nd, 66 pts) can still overtake Sundowns (1st, 68 pts) and take the title.
Sundowns have completed their season.
Pirates last game they are away at 2nd to last placed Orbit College.
Orbit trying to avoid relegation.
Pirates (2nd, 66 pts) can still overtake Sundowns (1st, 68 pts) and take the title.
Sundowns have completed their season.
Pirates last game they are away at 2nd to last placed Orbit College.
Orbit trying to avoid relegation.
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Niche Cache
ADJ’s minutes in league games since joining Orlando Pirates:
ADJ’s minutes in league games since joining Orlando Pirates:
26, 11, DNP, 16, DNP, 62, DNP, DNP, 45, 13, 22, DNP, DNP, 14, 8, DNP
That’s 16 fixtures across which he’s only played in 217 minutes. Two starts and in one of those he was subbed off at half-time. It’s been a tough task trying to fit into a new squad midway through a successful season when most of the guys he’s competing with are South African internationals.
But there’s a silver lining here which is that Orlando Pirates, despite a 0-0 draw in his absence most recently, will lift the PSL trophy if they win their last game. They’re away to Orbit College who themselves need to avoid defeat in case Magesi wins their last game and knocks them down into the relegation zone. If Pirates don’t win then Mamelodi Sundows will claim the title for the ninth season in a row. Orlando Pirates last won this thing way back in 2011-12. An ADJ winner off the bench for the championship sounds like a decent script.
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Equation is simple. Pirates (2nd, 66 pts) win away at Orbit College (15th, 2nd last) they are PSL champions.
Unfortunately for Pirates OC also have alot to play as a win/draw, may see them avoid relegation
Sundowns (currently 1st, 68 pts) have finished their PSL season, and play the 1st leg of the CAF Champions League final away at FAR Rabat in Morocco this weekend.
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