Pirates back in Bloem after a 3-0 'training ground' outing there against CAF opponents

Orlando Pirates produced a commanding 3-0 victory over Lesotho’s Lioli FC on Saturday in what resembled a training-ground outing, ahead of their Premiership clash against embattled Siwelele FC on Tuesday.

Pirates have enjoyed a fortunate start to their CAF Champions League campaign, playing their first away continental fixture on South African soil. This rare circumstance has spared them the fatigue of international travel. Their opponents, Lesotho's Lioli FC, were unable to secure a CAF-approved venue in their home country and opted for a Free State ground instead.

Adding to Pirates’ good fortune, they will return to the same venue on Tuesday. Serbian striker Samir Nurković will not lead Siwelele’s attack against Pirates. The 33-year-old former Kaizer Chiefs star received a straight red card in his debut match against Medgesi on Saturday, ruling him out of the fixture.

Nurković, renowned for his physical presence and clinical finishing, was expected to play a pivotal role in Siwelele's offensive strategy. His absence forces the team’s coaching staff to rethink their approach to counter Pirates’ strengths.

After Saturday’s win, Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou said the team was preparing for Tuesday’s league match. “Now, it is good, and I am happy; we are going to rest because we have a very important game in the league,” he said.

In stark contrast, Siwelele FC is navigating a tumultuous period. Recently rebranded from SuperSport United, the team sits 14th in the league with just four points from seven matches. The weekend brought further upheaval as the club announced structural changes aimed at ensuring sustainability amid a dismal campaign.

These include the departure of key staff, termination of contracts for underperforming players, and plans to recruit five to six new talents before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Siwelele faces the unique challenge of playing all their matches away from home. Following their acquisition, the team is based in Tshwane (formerly Pretoria) for at least one season, implementing cost-cutting measures such as restricting flights to journeys exceeding 600km, often resulting in long bus trips that impede player recovery.

Amidst the upheaval, former player Willem Jackson has been appointed as assistant coach to support head coach Lehlohonolo in reviving the team’s fortunes.

Since taking charge in July 2025, Lehlohonolo has faced criticism for narrow defeats, but chairman Calvin le John, eldest son of politician Gayton McKenzie, remains confident in his vision.

As the two teams prepare to meet in Bloemfontein, contrasting fortunes could shape the outcome. Pirates aim to build on their recent success, while Siwelele FC must rally to secure vital points and turn their season around.