Orlando Pirates are no doubt the “Cup Kings” of South African football, having won a total of seven trophies in five years.
The Buccaneers suffered devastating cup losses between 2015 and 2019, but broke the curse when they won the MTN8 in 2020.
Two years later, they lost a CAF Confederations Cup final to RS Berkane on penalties and it looked like the curse had returned once again. Under Jose Riveiro, the Buccaneers became a force in South African football, and from 2022 to 2025, they won five out of the six finals they reached.
Even with the Spaniard gone, Orlando Pirates have already added to the cup this season and reached another final this weekend. A 1-0 win over Richards Bay meant the Buccaneers have reached 10 finals in just five years. If they claim the Carling Knockout Cup, they would have won eight out of the five finals in six seasons, which is an impressive record.
Orlando Pirates looking to add another cup to their cabinet
Last month, the Sea Robbers bowed out of the CAF Champions League in the second preliminary stages. A devastating loss from Saint Eloi Lupopo on penalties meant Pirates’ focus this season would be soley on the Betway Premiership and domestic cups.
With the MTN8 in the bag, Ouaddou’s men will aim to win the Carling KO before focusing soley on the league.
Another cup win will no doubt give Orlando Pirates the motivation to go all the way to claim their first league win in over 13 years. With rivals Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns invovled in CAF comeptitions, it should give the Sea Robbers an advantage in the league and latter Nedbank Cup later this season.