OFFICIAL: Orlando Pirates make decision on DDC winners

Orlando Pirates have officially confirmed the promotion of three Dstv Diski Challenge (DDC) winners to the first-team ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

The Buccaneers had a fruitful last season under head coaches Abdeslam Ouaddou and Roscoe Krieling, who delivered league titles in the senior and youth ranks, respectively.

Ouaddou helped Pirates to a first Betway Premiership title since the 2011/12 term, ending the club's 14-year drought and Mamelodi Sundowns' eight-year dominance.

Meanwhile, Krieling guided the Sea Robbers to a maiden reserve league title since the competition's inception in the 2014/15 season, racking up a record 75 points.

Pirates, as a result, rewarded a select few DDC stars with first-team call-ups, including the players in the ongoing pre-season camp at the Marbella Football Centre in Spain.

“Ghampani Lungu, Neo Rapoo, and Mthetheleli Mthiyane are among the new arrivals, while academy products Cristian Derbyshire, Simphiwe Masilela, and Mpho Padime have been all rewarded with first-team call-ups after helping the club's reserves to the Dstv Diski Challenge title,” read the Bucs statement.

"This makes for an exciting mix of youth and experience heading into the new season, providing the technical team with a wealth of options at every department.

Whether the exciting talents will stake their claim and make instant impact in the star-studded Pirates team remains to be seen, with the new season fast approaching.

Hlayisani Magoro

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Football journalist from South Africa covering African football news, exclusive stories and key events while sharing insights with passionate fans of the game.

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