The Rise of Orlando Pirates: Challenging Mamelodi Sundowns’ Monopoly in the DStv Premiership

In recent years, Mamelodi Sundowns has dominated South African football with six consecutive league titles. However, Orlando Pirates is emerging as a contender to break their monopoly in the 2023/24 DStv Premiership season.

The Emergence of Orlando Pirates

Under Coach Jose Riveiro’s leadership, the Soweto giants had an impressive debut campaign in the South African top-flight. They won the MTN8 and Nedbank Cup trophies, which signals a potential shift in the league’s balance of power.

Insights from Teboho Moloi

Club legend and former assistant coach Teboho Moloi provided insights on the progress of Orlando Pirates. Moloi acknowledged Riveiro’s contribution to the team’s development and believes that they have a strong chance of winning the league. However, Moloi emphasizes that the team should focus on the domestic league as excelling in the Champions League may be too much to expect.

Riveiro’s Contribution

One of the key factors in the Pirates’ ascent is Riveiro’s contribution to the team’s development. However, Moloi questions whether Riveiro’s lack of experience in continental football might hinder their success in the prestigious tournament.

Challenges in the Champions League

Moloi highlights that while Riveiro’s squad boasts talent, their relative inexperience might count against them in the Champions League. The demands of the tournament, such as extensive travel and playing multiple matches per week, could take a toll on even the most seasoned players. Furthermore, the Pirates’ coaching staff, including Riveiro, will also make their Champions League debut, adding another layer of complexity to their campaign.

Preparations for the Upcoming Season

The Pirates continue their pre-season preparations at their European training camp as anticipation builds for the upcoming DStv Premiership campaign. With a renewed sense of ambition, the team appears determined to put up a strong fight against their domestic rivals and challenge the supremacy of Mamelodi Sundowns.

The stage is set for an exhilarating season that promises fierce competition, with the Pirates poised to shake up the South African football scene. As Moloi observes, it may be too early to declare them Champions League material, yet their progress so far indicates that they are well on their way to becoming a formidable force in the DStv Premiership and beyond.