Orlando Pirates are gearing up to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns and the rest of the Betway Premiership next season, but if the previous campaign is anything to go by, toppling the would-be champions will require far more than just ambition and new signings.
By all accounts, the Buccaneers enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent years, collecting an impressive 61 points from a shortened 28-match season — impacted by Royal AM’s mid-season disqualification.
Despite this strong showing, they still finished 13 points behind Sundowns, who extended their domestic dominance in what was yet another seamless season for the Chloorkop-based outfit.
That same 13-point gap also separated Pirates from third-placed Stellenbosch, underlining how far ahead the top two clubs were from the rest of the pack. However, while the Sea Robbers showed signs of real progress, the major challenge remains: how to close the gulf between themselves and Sundowns.
The Soweto-based outfit has not been shy about their intentions. The club has moved swiftly in the transfer market, securing a number of key signings aimed at strengthening the squad for the upcoming campaign.
These reinforcements are meant to not only keep the team competitive domestically but also bolster their CAF ambitions after finishing in the last four with a 3-2 loss to champions Pyramids. However, the excitement around the fresh talent comes with potential challenges.
The biggest curveball for the Soweto giants is the unexpected departure of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro. After laying down a solid foundation over the past three years, his exit threatens to disrupt the momentum that had been carefully built.
In his place comes Moroccan tactician Abdeslam Ouaddou, who faces the immediate task of adjusting to a top-tier team while instilling his own identity and style.
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With a new coach at the helm, there’s every chance that the team’s playing philosophy may shift. Ouaddou may have different tactical preferences and could opt for new combinations or players not heavily relied upon last season. This period of adjustment could slow down the team’s momentum, especially early in the campaign.
Adding to the complexity is the influx of new players — potentially close to 10 or more — into the squad. While this offers depth and competition and a lot of excitement, it also means several players will need time to settle in, build chemistry, and adapt to the demands of the new coach and system.
Such transitions rarely yield immediate success.
Meanwhile, Sundowns continue to benefit from consistency and cohesion. Their recent showing at the 2025 Fifa Club World Cup, where they impressed despite missing out on a spot in the Round of 16, showed the maturity and depth of their squad. They remain well-oiled and will once again be favorites heading into the new season.
For Pirates, the reality is that while the ambition to dethrone Sundowns is commendable, this season may be more about once again laying down the foundation for the future.
Their new signings bring youth and talent, and should they gel quickly, they will be worthy challengers. But anything beyond that — such as breaking Sundowns’ title streak — might be a bonus rather than an expectation.