Betway Premiership giants Orlando Pirates are set to participate in the upcoming The Soccer Tournament [TST] in the United States of America later this year.
The Buccaneers announced their participation in the popular global 7-aside tournament in America, becoming the first-ever African team to compete in one of the exciting competitions in international football.
Pirates have stamped their authority as one of the competitive clubs in the PSL and on the African continent, having reached the semi-final of the CAF Champions League last season.
In the current campaign, the Soweto giants have won two domestic trophies after clinching the MTN8 and Carling Knockout Cup trophies under the guidance of head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Pirates are also in a fierce race to win the Betway Premiership title against Mamelodi Sundowns, who have won the league for eight successive seasons. On the other hand, the Sea Robbers are aiming to end their league drought, which has spanned over a decade since last tasting Premiership success in 2012.
With Pirates continuing their growth as one of the prominent clubs, they are set to take South African football culture to the global stage when they compete in the TST.
The Houghton-based side has recently proven their close ties with overseas clubs after selling their top talents, including Mohau Nkota and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, to Al-Ettifaq and Chicago Fire FC, respectively.
WHAT PIRATES SAID ABOUT THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE TOURNAMENT IN AMERICA
Pirates on Thursday revealed that they’ll announce a 16-man squad that will represent the club in the tournament in due course.
“Orlando Pirates Football Club is proud to announce that it will participate in the upcoming The Soccer Tournament (TST) later this year in the United States of America,” Pirates said in a statement.
“In doing so, the Buccaneers will make history as the first club from the African continent to compete in the global 7-a-side spectacle, a competition that has rapidly grown into one of the most exciting new events on the international football calendar.
“The annual tournament features a unique winner-takes-all prize of $1 million, [approximately R16 million] attracting teams and players from across the world who compete in a fast-paced, high-intensity format that blends entertainment with elite football talent.
“The 2026 edition of TST will feature a 48-team men’s competition, kicking off with group stage matches on May 27, followed by knockout rounds that will ultimately determine the champion. Alongside the men’s tournament, a 16-team women’s competition will begin on May 28, while this year’s event will also introduce the debut of TST’s Mixed Competition, further showcasing the tournament’s innovative approach to the global game.”
RELATED STORY: Cassius Mailula returns to familiar grounds for MLS revival