Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou hailed new signing Gamphani Lungu as already “part of the family” after last season’s Betway Premiership title, as he took a slight jab at Mamelodi Sundowns.
In May 2026 at Lucas Moripe Stadium, Gamphani Lungu scored a hat-trick for Siwelele FC in a 7-4 defeat that became the highest-scoring PSL match since 1996/97, with four goals leaked by the champions while the title race was still alive.
Sundowns finished early on 68 points after eight straight titles, while Orlando Pirates beat Orbit College 2-0 on the final day to finish on 69 and end a 14-year wait.
“This boy helped us to win the title last season, so you know, I was not surprised when he came here, he was very excited and happy to join such a big club, from last season he was already part of the family,” Ouaddou said after Lungu scored in Pirates’ 3-0 win over Sekhukhune United on Saturday, which saw Bucs progress to the final after winning the tie 4-0 on aggregate.
“So he integrated very well, he’s giving his best. I always say you short or long time for recruits when coming into a new club, but with him we opened our heart to him and he was part of the family – it’s like he’s been here long a time.
”A slightly tidier version of the first line also appeared as: This boy helped us to win the title last season. I was not surprised when he came here. He was very excited, first of all, he was very happy to join such a big club. From last season, I think already part of the family.”
The Zambia international has been influential, having scored three goals and provided one assist in six matches for Pirates.
