Orlando Pirates are working well with their Moroccan coach.
A new record for Orlando Pirates: 10 finals in five years!
The title of “Cup Kings” is one Orlando Pirates have carved out and earned with relentless determination. Over the past five years, the iconic skull and crossbones have been hoisted above seven trophies, a testament to their dominance in knockout football.
Their journey, however, has been a tale of resilience. After a period of heartbreak between 2015 and 2019, the MTN8 victory in 2020 finally broke a painful curse. Yet, the ghosts of near-misses seemed to return with the agonizing penalty shootout defeat in the 2022 CAF Confederations Cup final. It was under the guidance of Jose Riveiro that the Buccaneers truly transformed into an indomitable force, embarking on a spectacular run from 2022 to 2025 where they conquered five of the six finals they contested.
This season’s narrative took an early twist with a shocking penalty exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Saint Eloi Lupopo. While devastating, this early continental departure has inadvertently sharpened the team’s focus, narrowing their ambitions to a clear, domestic treble: the Betway Premiership and the remaining domestic cups.
With the MTN8 already secured, the hunger now turns to the Carling KO. For coach Ouaddou and his men, lifting another cup is more than just silverware; it is the fuel for a greater quest. That momentum could be the final key to unlocking their ultimate prize—a first league title in over 13 years. As their rivals, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns, navigate the demanding waters of CAF competitions, the Sea Robbers find themselves with a potential strategic advantage, a clearer path to pursue glory on the home front right through to the latter stages of the Nedbank Cup.
