Orlando Pirates jersey worn by All Blacks after Soweto Derby victory

Orlando Pirates FC's unbeaten league run and striking Adidas partnership gained global attention as the All Blacks rugby team wore their 2026/27 away jersey upon arrival in Scotland.

Orlando Pirates FC’s profile received an unexpected global boost this week when the New Zealand All Blacks rugby team wore the club’s 2026/27 away jersey. Their recent form is a perfect five wins from five matches, part of a five-game winning run.

The club secured a key 2-1 Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on October 31. Tshepang Moremi scored the decisive goal in the 55th minute, assisted by Thapelo Mokobodi, after Yanela Mbuthuma had opened the scoring. This result followed a 3-0 win over Milford FC on October 27, where Moremi scored twice and Mokobodi also found the net, and a 4-0 victory against African Stars on October 23. The team's only league defeat this season was a 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns on October 10.

Fashion meets football

On the same day as the derby, All Blacks players were pictured in Scotland wearing the Pirates' new away kit. Both teams share Adidas as a technical sponsor, facilitating the crossover. This visibility stemmed from the club's pioneering 'Field to Fashion' initiative, which recently saw Orlando Pirates become the first PSL side to feature at South African Fashion Week. Former players like Happy Jele and current squad members including Neo Rapoo walked the runway to show the new designs.

The club’s partnership with Adidas has produced visually distinct kits that capture its identity. The current third kit, for instance, features a dark maroon base with geometric patterns inspired by Soweto’s rooftops, accented with shades of red, orange, and purple.

Title pursuit continues

On the pitch, the focus remains sharp. Orlando Pirates are just one point behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, having scored 21 goals and conceded only two for a commanding goal difference of plus 19. Top scorer Tshepang Moremi has five goals this season. The team's recent form has been built on a solid defensive record and a potent attack, with the side scoring an average of over two goals per game while keeping seven clean sheets in their nine matches. The team will look to continue its momentum when it hosts 10th-placed Golden Arrows at home on November 28 in its next fixture, continuing its pursuit of the league title.