By Linda Ximba |
Soweto giants Orlando Pirates are set to make history after confirming their participation in The Soccer Tournament (TST) in the United States later this year.
The Buccaneers will become the first African club to compete in the fast-growing global seven-a-side football spectacle, marking another milestone for South African football on the international stage.
Pirates have continued to establish themselves as one of the most competitive clubs in the Premier Soccer League and across the continent. Last season, the Soweto outfit reached the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League, underlining their growing stature in African football.
The club has also enjoyed success domestically this season under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, winning both the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout Cup trophies.
Meanwhile, the Sea Robbers remain locked in a fierce race for the Betway Premiership title against defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have dominated the league for eight consecutive seasons. Pirates are determined to end their long wait for a league crown, having last lifted the Premiership trophy in 2012.
Their participation in TST highlights the club’s expanding global profile. The Houghton-based outfit recently strengthened international ties through player transfers, including Mohau Nkota moving to Al-Ettifaq and Mbekezeli Mbokazi joining Chicago Fire FC.
Pirates confirmed that a 16-man squad will be announced in the coming weeks to represent the club in the prestigious competition.
The 2026 edition of TST will feature 48 men’s teams, with group stage matches beginning on May 27 before the knockout rounds determine the champion. The tournament offers a winner-takes-all prize of $1 million (about R16 million), attracting elite players and teams from across the world in a high-intensity format.
A 16-team women’s tournament will also begin on May 28, while the competition will introduce a new mixed category, further expanding the innovative global football event.
