By Ursula Wesenaar
There are mixed reactions among Orlando Pirates supporters ahead of the club’s opening match of the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season against newly promoted Milford Football Club.
The Premier Soccer League (PSL) season gets underway on Saturday, 1 August, with defending champions Orlando Pirates hosting Milford FC at the Orlando Amstel Arena. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00.
Milford FC secured promotion after finishing top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season and will be making their Betway Premiership debut.
Sandile Mgoza, a soccer fan, believes Orlando Pirates are favourites despite Milford’s impressive campaign.
“I think this is going to be an obvious win for Orlando Pirates, especially since it will be Milford FC’s first season in the Betway Premiership.
“Orlando Pirates have proven to be one of the best teams in the league, but Milford FC finished at the top of the Motsepe Foundation Championship. If Milford FC can beat Orlando Pirates, it will earn them three valuable points to start their season,” he said.
Orlando Pirates supporter Sabelo Dimba said he is confident his team will win but admitted he has some concerns.
“Orlando Pirates have signed a few new players for this season, which makes me happy. However, I’m also disappointed that Relebohile Mofokeng won’t be playing because he is one of our best players. Other than that, I believe Orlando Pirates are going to win comfortably,” he said.
Kaizer Chiefs supporter Nosipho Mncwabe said she will be backing the visitors.
“I am rooting for Milford FC to win on Saturday because I would hate to see Orlando Pirates win,” she said.
Dimba’s concerns come after Mofokeng’s departure following a standout 2025/26 season. Before signing for Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, the 21-year-old dominated the PSL Awards, winning Footballer of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and Young Player of the Season for a record third consecutive year.
His exit leaves a significant gap in Orlando Pirates’ squad as they begin the defence of their league title.
