Orlando Pirates’ quest to defend the Betway Premiership title will kick off in front of the Ghost.
The marathon – which is the league- starts in familiar surroundings for the Buccaneers, after the Premier Soccer League released the fixture list for the 2026/27 season on Thursday.
Bucs will christen their title defence, hosting Betway Premiership newcomers Milford FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday, 1 August (15h30). It’s a fixture rich with early intrigue: Milford booked their top-flight return by beating Cape Town City in the National First Division play-offs, before sending Magesi FC down to the NFD in their place.
For Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men, however, there’ll be no time to catch their breath. Seven days after their league opener, Pirates are back in action defending the MTN 8 – the first of three trophies they’ll look to retain from last season’s historic Treble. That defence begins at home against Durban City on 8 August.
Four days later, the Buccaneers will fly to KZN to face AmaZulu (12 Aug), followed by another away trip to PE to face Chippa United (16 Aug), and then return home on August 25 to host Sekhukhune United at Orlando Stadium.
All hands-on Deck
As Orlando Pirates gear up to do battle in what will be a grueling 2026/27 campaign, the Buccaneers are off to Spain tomorrow to kick off their Preseason Tour. The technical team will also ensure that all its troops are ready for the daunting schedule ahead.
Pirates will be based in Marbella from July 12 to July 25, where they will play five competitive friendlies against Córdoba CF, Cádiz CF, Al-Ittihad Club, Neom and Las Palmas.
