It has been a long wait for Orlando Pirates fans, with the team’s last league title win dating back to 2012. The Buccaneers secured that title in dramatic fashion, defeating Lamontville Golden Arrows 4-2 on the final day of the season to complete a historic treble-winning campaign.
Since then, Pirates have come close to winning another league crown on several occasions, but it has not happened. The team experienced a trophy drought between 2014 and 2020, but they have re-established themselves as South Africa’s “Cup Kings”, winning eight trophies in the last six years, and possibly adding a ninth before the end of the current campaign.
Orlando Pirates On The Brink Of Glory
Pirates are now on the verge of ending their 14-year league drought. A win against Durban City this weekend would be enough to crown them Betway Premiership champions, after an intense title race with Mamelodi Sundowns. In fact, victory in either of their final two matches would secure the title.
Just two weeks ago, it seemed like Mamelodi Sundowns would run away with the league, but draws against Stellenbosch, Richards Bay, and Kaizer Chiefs gave Pirates a chance to get back into the hunt. Defeat away to TS Galaxy has now given Orlando Pirates a perfect opportunity to clinch the league, following a dramatic week of local football.
The last time Pirates won the title, in 2012, they did so in style, with a 4-2 win over Golden Arrows. The team’s lineup that day included Moeneeb Josephs in goal, Lucky Lekgwathi, Rooi Mahamutsa, Siyabonga Sangweni, and Tebogo Matlaba in defence. The midfield consisted of Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali, Tlou Segolela, and Daine Klate, while Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Benni McCarthy led the attack.
Can Pirates Claim The League Title?
Pirates fans will be holding their breath as the team prepares to take on Durban City, knowing that a win could bring an end to their 14-year wait for a league title. With the team in good form, and confidence high, there is a sense that this could be their year.
