Orlando Pirates are setting themselves up to make some significant history this season.
After more than a decade without a league title, they are in a prime position to change that narrative and end their long drought.
Pirates’ 13-Year Wait for Glory
It has been 13 years since Orlando Pirates last claimed league glory, back in 2012, when the legendary Benni McCarthy was part of the squad.
Since then, the club has watched on as Mamelodi Sundowns dominated South African football, winning seven consecutive titles and eight out of the last nine.
While Bidvest Wits interrupted the streak for one season, and Kaizer Chiefs claimed the title in 2013 and 2015, Pirates have been patiently waiting for their time to shine once again.
Riveiro’s Men Are Poised for Success
Currently, Jose Riveiro’s team is sitting in second place in the league, just three points behind Sundowns after 11 matches.
With the 2024-2025 season well underway, the Sea Robbers are feeling optimistic about their chances of ending their 13-year wait for the league title.
A New Challenge in the CAF Champions League
Not only are Pirates chasing domestic success, but they also have a strong presence in continental football.
The team has advanced to the quarter-finals of the CAF Champions League, with group-stage matches still ahead.
If they progress further into both the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup finals, they could face up to 31 more matches in the season, including 19 more in the Betway Premiership.
That’s a hefty amount of football to play, but Pirates are no strangers to challenges.
Welcoming Saleng Back Into the Fold
Recently, Pirates have had the upper hand in their iconic Soweto Derby battles, with the Sea Robbers winning the last three encounters, including a thrilling 3-2 victory in their most recent league clash, where Monnapule Saleng scored a brace.
This victory ended a surprising streak of five consecutive league wins for Kaizer Chiefs in these high-stakes matches.
However, Saleng has been sidelined since the beginning of the year, with the media buzzing about his absence.
The question now is whether Pirates will reintegrate the 26-year-old forward into their squad in time for their upcoming matches, especially as the next Soweto Derby approaches on February 1 at Orlando Stadium.
Can Pirates End Their Long Title Drought in 2025?
With their current form and a significant chance to win both domestic and international honors, the big question is whether Orlando Pirates can finally end their league title drought in 2025.
Fans are eager to see if the team can achieve glory once more.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn