Orlando Pirates have a golden opportunity to end their painful 13-season league title drought.
If they don’t do it this season, when will they?
After Mamelodi Sundowns drew with Siwelele FC this week, Orlando Pirates now hold a two-point lead at the summit with a game in hand.
Orlando Pirates boast a strong Bafana contingent
National team representation is usually a decent indicator of how strong a squad is.
Orlando Pirates have nine players jetting off to the 2025 AFCON.
Defender Nkosinathi Sibisi and striker Evidence Makgopa both return to the squad, having been part of the group that secured bronze in the previous edition played in the Ivory Coast.
The duo is joined by new Bucs recruit Oswin Appollis, who was also part of the Class of 2023 prior to joining the Soweto giants.
The rest of the Orlando Pirates representatives in the squad are goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi, the midfield duo of Thalente Mbatha and Sipho Mbule, and forwards Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshepang Moremi.
What’s on the horizon for Orlando Pirates?
Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side claimed their second piece of silverware of the season by beating Marumo Gallants 1-0 in the Carling Knockout final on Saturday.
Gifted 20-year-old defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi finally sealed a switch to the MLS with Chicago Fire last week and got to captain the Buccaneers against Gallants in his final match for the club.
The fee Chicago paid to sign Mbekezeli eclipses the €2.3 million (R46 million) that Tottenham Hotspur forked out to sign OldJohn Mabizela in July 2003.
With a lead to protect in the Betway Premiership, Orlando Pirates are eyeing a first league crown since 2012.
Is it finally Orlando Pirates’ time?
Mamelodi Sundowns’ grip on the trophy has been tight; they’ve been champions for eight seasons running, and in nine of the last 10.
Orlando Pirates have become domestic cup specialists in recent seasons, but haven’t won the Premier Soccer League since 2012.
However, 2025/26 feels like their year.
Will Orlando Pirates finally end their title drought this season?
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