Why Orlando Pirates Dropped Points in Their First League Game in 2026

• Orlando Pirates have been told some of the reasons they dropped important points in their first match in 2026
• The Soweto giants were held to a goalless draw by Sekhukhune United in their first Betway Premiership game this year
• A football journalist in an exclusive interview with Briefly News outlined why the Buccaneers were unable to beat Babina Noko

Orlando Pirates have dropped crucial points as the Betway Premiership title race intensifies between them and the two other top sides in the league this season.

The Sea Robbers were held to a goalless draw against Sekhukhune United in their first league game in 2026, and it's bad news for the Soweto-based club as their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs both registered victories.

The Soweto giants are looking forward to ending the Tshwane Outfits' dominance in the Premier Soccer League this season, but they need to get back to winning ways in the league if they want to achieve that.

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Why Pirates dropped points vs Sekhukhune

Football analyst, Uche Anuma, while chatting with Briefly News, shared his thoughts on Orlando Pirates' game against Sekhukhune. He went further to explain what could have caused their poor start in 2026.

"I think Sekhukhune United have been a solid side since Eric Tinkler took over, and it's not a surprise that they've been one of the best teams in the league since then," he said.

"Pirates are yet to regroup and get back that first half of the season form as they are just welcoming some of their key players back to the team."

How AFCON affected Pirates' performance

Anuma went on to lay blame on the Africa Cup of Nations as another reason Orlando Pirates didn't start the second half of the season on a good note.

The Buccaneers had most players called up by Hugo Broos for the Bafana Bafana squad at the 2025 AFCON. Despite South Africa being knocked out in the Round of 16 by Cameroon, the tournament still found its way to affect Orlando Pirates' moment in the league.

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"The AFCON played a major role in Pirates' poor start in 2026. I don't think it would last long, though, the tournament affected their momentum, and also having a large number of important players travelling is another issue," he added.

"The Sea Robbers can't stop Hugo Broos from calling up good players from their club, though their good start to the season was the reason they had huge numbers of representatives in the Bafana Bafana squad. It was Mamelodi Sundowns that always suffered this fate before, but it's Pirates' turn this campaign."

Ouaddou explains why he's not worried

Briefly News also reported that Abdeslam Ouaddou explained why he's not bothered despite Orlando Pirates dropping points against Sekhukhune United in the Betway Premiership.

The former Marumo Gallants head coach has been unable to beat Babina Noko in the league this season, after losing the first leg against Eric Tinkler's side.

Source: Briefly News