The last time Orlando Pirates lifted the Betway Premiership trophy, iconic figures like Nelson Mandela were still alive.
It’s been 13 long years since the Buccaneers last tasted league success. They came close in 2019 but narrowly lost out to Mamelodi Sundowns on the final day of the season. Since winning their second successive treble in 2012, the Soweto giants endured a difficult spell before Spanish coach José Riveiro took charge in 2022.
Under Riveiro, Pirates have enjoyed a resurgence, winning five trophies in just three years and even reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Having claimed six domestic titles since 2022, the Buccaneers now have their sights firmly set on ending their long league drought.
Pirates have a squad to win the league this season
After crashing out of the Champions League in the early stages last weekend, the Betway Premiership remains their main objective. They are still competing in the Carling Knockout Cup, which could yet add another piece of silverware to their growing collection.
How Long Has It Really Been?
When Orlando Pirates last won the league back in 2012, the world looked very different:
- TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram were either nonexistent or virtually unknown in South Africa.
- BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) was the most popular messaging app before WhatsApp took over.
- Zahara’s debut album “Loliwe” (2011) was breaking records as one of the fastest-selling albums in South African history.
- TV favourites like Generations and Isidingo dominated screens, while Skeem Saam had just launched as a weekly drama.
- Popular and controversial radio DJ Gareth Cliff was still on 5FM hosting the breakfast show.
- In global politics, Barack Obama was serving his first term as President of the United States.
Thirteen years may not seem long on paper, but for Orlando Pirates fans, it’s been a lifetime waiting for another league triumph.