The coming of age of Relebohile Mofokeng (pictured, right) and Mohau Nkota in attacking areas has coincided perfectly with Orlando Pirates’ resurgence. Photo: AYANDA NDAMANE Independent Media
Comment by Smiso Msomi
The 2024/2025 season has been earmarked as a crucial turning point for Orlando Pirates, with aspirations of returning to the zenith of South African football.
The club has already defended the MTN8, remains in the race for the Premiership trophy, and will kick-start their defence of the Nedbank Cup next week.
Under the astute guidance of head coach Jose Riveiro, the Buccaneers’ journey has been marked by a palpable resurgence, which resonated with both fans and critics.
In just over two years, the Spanish-born coach has steered the Soweto giants to five trophies, igniting hopes of clinching the league title for the first time in 12 years.
✈️ The journey continues 🏴☠️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) January 16, 2025
🏆 #TotalEnergiesCAFCL
🛫 @ortambo_int 🇿🇦
🛬 @AirportCairo 🇪🇬
🎯 @AlAhly
🗓️ 18 January 2025
⚫️⚪🔴⭐#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/2MLIz1ILVH
Alongside those ambitions lies a more significant dream – reclaiming their status among Africa’s elite clubs by succeeding in the CAF Champions League.
This dream appears closer to fruition as Pirates secured their place in the quarter-finals for the first time in over a decade.
Their solid performance against Algerian giants CR Belouizdad at Orlando Stadium propelled them to lead Group C with an impressive 11 points from four matches, making them one of only two unbeaten teams at this stage.
⏪ 🅸🅲🆈🅼🅸 ⏪
— SABC Sport (@SABC_Sport) January 13, 2025
Orlando Pirates clinched a 2⃣➖1⃣ win over CR Belouizdad in their #TotalEnergiesCAFCL Group C match to advance to the quarter-finals!#SABCSportFootball pic.twitter.com/mpJAp2yUmz
However, although their accomplishments thus far have ignited conversations around their potential title candidacy, Riveiro remains cautious, distancing himself and his players from any discussions about being favourites.
“It’s a day to feel happy for what is done, which is incredible to be qualified already with one game in hand in the quarter-finals,” said Riveiro.
“We have three fantastic teams ahead of us, and our next focus is on Al Ahly in Cairo.”
His reluctance to entertain the title tag underpins the approach of a coach who prioritises concentration and performance over speculation.
The Buccaneers have displayed exceptional qualities over the campaign, showcasing resilience and determination in hostilities away from home, having travelled and triumphed across Mauritius, Botswana, Algeria and Ivory Coast without suffering a defeat.
Such composure in challenging environments is a hallmark of champions, reminiscent of historic finalists like Al Ahly and Wydad Casablanca.
It must also be noted that while it is rarely prudent to base title credentials on a singular match, Pirates’ earlier showdown against defending champions Al Ahly this season in Orlando offered a glimpse of their potential.
Memories for eternity ❤️✨ pic.twitter.com/5ezKJXzzJ0
— Al Ahly SC 🇬🇧 (@AlAhlyEnglish) January 13, 2025
With another encounter looming, albeit a ‘dead rubber’ from a qualification stance, a win at the home of the African Club of the Century would serve as a powerful statement and confidence-booster heading into the knockout stages.
The coming of age of Relebohile Mofokeng and Mohau Nkota in attacking areas, as well as Thabiso Sesane at the back, has coincided perfectly with the club’s resurgence, which might be the perfect tonic to stage a memorable campaign in Soweto.
Thus, as the Sea Robbers poise themselves for what could be a defining chapter in their illustrious history, fans remain hopeful.
The echoes of past triumphs beckon, and the dream of a second CAF Champions League title hangs tantalisingly in the air, driven by momentum, strategic coaching and an indomitable spirit. | Independent Media Sport