Orlando Pirates unveil six nominees for September Player of the Month

Orlando Pirates have announced six nominees for their September Player of the Month award, with supporters now able to vote via the club's official website.

Six Orlando Pirates players have been nominated for the club's Player of the Month award for September, recognising standout performances during an unbeaten run. Supporters can now vote for their choice on the official website as the Buccaneers sit second in the Premier Soccer League with 19 points from seven games.

Thapelo Mokobodi, Kabelo Kgositsile, Sipho Chaine, Yanela Mbuthuma, Lebone Seema, and Simphiwe Masilela make up the shortlist. The club's strong form underpins the nominations, with three league wins and progression in the CAF Champions League last month.

Goalkeeper Chaine and new signing Mokobodi recognised

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, the reigning Premiership Goalkeeper of the Season, kept four clean sheets in five appearances and saved 90% of shots faced in September. His performances were key in a month where the team conceded only 2 goals across all competitions, averaging a goal conceded every 225 minutes. New signing Thapelo Mokobodi contributed two assists and created five chances, with the winger stating he “took things up another gear in September as he emerged among the standout players for the second month running.”

Other nominees impact in September

Kabelo Kgositsile, another new arrival, scored two goals and provided two assists. Striker Yanela Mbuthuma netted three times and created three chances in five appearances. Centre-back Lebone Seema won 83% of his duels and contributed two goals, while Academy graduate Simphiwe Masilela enjoyed a consistent run in the starting eleven.

The collective effort propelled Orlando Pirates to score 13 goals in five games across all competitions last month. They maintained their unbeaten start to the season with victories over Durban City, Kruger United, and Marumo Gallants in the league, and advanced past La Cure Waves in the CAF Champions League 3-1 on aggregate. The team's focus now shifts to their next fixture, a home Premier Soccer League match against TS Galaxy scheduled for Saturday, 18 October at 20:00. You can review the team's recent results and upcoming fixtures. The full squad list shows the depth that has contributed to this strong start.