Pirates plot new course to top flight

Orlando Pirates official Mabos Ortman has detailed a comprehensive restructuring and recruitment strategy aimed at securing the club’s promotion back to the Namibian premier league.

Mabos Ortman, a key player in the transformation of the Katutura giants, says reinforcements are crucial to ensure promotion to the elite football league.

The popular black-and-white club got relegated to the Southern Stream First Division (SSFD) in 2024 and has since struggled to dominate the lower first division, with competition from the likes of Mariental Sport Club, Try Again and Friends FC equally fighting for dominance to eventually lift the title.

Speaking to Desert FM recently, Ortman acknowledged the team’s poor run in the lower league but expressed confidence in the club’s technical team to bring in real reinforcements.

“It’s not a once off process. We are really working very hard to make sure that we can return to the elite league within the next season,” said Ortman.

“Indeed, we are reinforcing the team. Yes, we are working under the radar quietly, as we don’t want lots of our things to be known.”

“So we are targeting some experienced players who will come in and these are players who have premier league experience. The reinforcement will focus on the midfield and striking departments.’

Though Ortman acknowledged the difficult task at hand, he said there is no room for pessimism, and that their mission is to reach the ultimate objective of getting promoted back to the premier league.

“The technical team is hard at work with training. We are ready to resume the league on 7 February 2026.”

The former lethal striker, calls on the Pirates’ diehard supporters and sympathizers to come out, believe and trust in the team.

He said the history of Orlando Pirates, especially when the side was relegated, the fan’s morale was crushed to the core.

“But we are now working towards regaining the fan’s trust back in the team. It’s very tough to get

Back to where we were but then we have to work and pass the process,” stressed Ortman.

“We have to trust the technical team, and we are working hard to make sure we bring the Pirates’ pride back to Katutura.”

“People are supporting these teams and Katuturians are die-hard supporters of these legendary teams like Pirates, African Stars, Black Africa and Tigers. Those are the original Katutura giants,” said Ortman.

“Despite Pirates’ relegation the true spirit has remained, and we are ready to carry the torch. The fact is, we are working hard to again have the real Katutura derbies in the near future.”

“We want people to enjoy that old feeling of that rivalry that was there in the 70s, 80s and 90s at the then Katutura stadium known as the ‘Mecca of Namibian football’.”

PIRATES’ BRAAI

Ortman said that in their quest to bring back supporters, the team will have a braai in front of the Goreangab junior secondary school, Katutura Central constituency opposite Dr Ihuhua consulting room.

“We are restructuring the team to make it a member-based side. S that fans can have their say and relook at the team’s proposed structures.’

“The idea is to work out a practical plan with the aim to commercialize the club. So that when we talk to potential investors at least there will be a supporters’base to consider,” said Ortman.

He said another idea to be implemented soon is the rebranding of the team, and that currently the marketing team is working around the clock to ensure that massive rebranding is done.

Fans and sympathizers are asked to come along with a N$ 50 to register as members of the club.

The team’s braai is tomorrow from the morning till late in the day.

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