Orlando Pirates director of football Mpumi Khoza has attributed the club’s monumental success this season to trusting their internal system and receiving unwavering support from chairman Irvin Khoza. The Sea Robbers clinched the Betway Premiership title on Saturday afternoon, defeating Orbit College 2–0 in a high-stakes season finale at the Mbombela Stadium to finish top of the final standings with 69 points.
The Pirates’ victory marked the end of a 14-year wait for the league title and simultaneously completed an historic domestic treble, having already won the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies earlier this season. The club’s immense success would not have been possible without the playing squad, capably led by captain Nkosinathi Sibisi, and the technical team under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who won his first league title and domestic treble in his very first season at the helm of the Soweto giants.
Investment in Youth Development
Khoza credited the club’s meticulous scouting processes and increased investment in youth development, noting that the strategy paid massive dividends this season. The club’s reserve side also secured the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) league title, holding off intense competition from Mamelodi Sundowns’ reserve team. With the club’s youth structures continuing to flourish at an elite level, Khoza firmly believes the future remains incredibly bright for Pirates and that the necessary foundations are in place for prolonged success.
Key Factors Behind the Success
The following factors contributed to the Pirates’ success:
- Meticulous scouting processes
- Increased investment in youth development
- Unwavering support from chairman Irvin Khoza
- A strong technical team under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
Khoza reserved special praise for iconic chairman Irvin Khoza, thanking the veteran administrator for his continued support and total trust in the club’s long-term corporate vision. The Pirates’ historic treble is a testament to the club’s commitment to developing young talent and investing in the future.
