'Luthuli is the future for Pirates'

Orlando Pirates striker Sifiso Luthuli has been tipped for a bright future at the club following an impressive cameo in their Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final clash against Sekhukhune United.

Luthuli made his official first-team appearance for the Buccaneers when he came on as a second-half substitute in their 1-0 Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final victory over Babina Noko at Orlando Amstel Arena.

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However, the 25-year-old had previously made his senior debut for Pirates in December 2025 during the Carling Cup match against the Carling All Stars, where he came off the bench and scored in a 2-0 victory.

That appearance came in an exhibition fixture, meaning Luthuli had to wait for another opportunity to feature in a competitive match for the Soweto giants.

The striker was subsequently loaned to Magesi FC in January this year to gain more game time before returning to the Sea Robbers at the end of last season.

Ouaddou explains Luthuli's progress

Luthuli, who has comes from the club's DDC side, has been working his way towards the first team, with his performances at that level catching the attention of the technical team.

Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou was pleased with what he saw from the striker against Sekhukhune and believes he has several qualities that could make him an important player for the club in the future.

"About Luthuli, he was doing well since the beginning of the season in the other team, he showed us some great signs. He was scoring in the other team," Ouaddou told the media.

"And as I wanted to protect the other strikers, Makgopa, Radiopane and Pedersen, it was the right moment for him to come and to show. Today it was the right moment for me.

Pirates coach backs striker's potential

"He showed some good signs of football. He's somebody who is able to play between the lines. He's somebody who is good in the air as well. Even we didn't see him too much today but he's somebody who is very efficient in the box.

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"He's somebody who can score with the left foot, right foot and what I like on him is his fighting spirit. He is able press, he's able to work. He's a hard worker.

"So I think he is the future for Pirates and we have to give him time and to bring him sometimes in order to give him experience in the team."

Related tags

Abdeslam Ouaddou Carling Knockout Cup Orlando Pirates Sekhukhune United FC Sifiso Luthuli