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Can Orlando Pirates Achieve a Historic Clean Sweep? Thobejane Weighs In

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Cairo, Egypt. 18th Jan, 2025. Wessam Abou Ali (L) of Al Ahly competes during the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League football match between Al Ahly of Egypt and Orlando Pirates of South Africa in Cairo, Egypt, Jan. 18, 2025.
Xinhua

Orlando Pirates are enjoying a remarkable 2025/26 season. The Buccaneers have already secured the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies. Now, the conversation has shifted toward a potential “clean sweep” of all available silverware.

Former Baroka FC coach Kgoloko Thobejane, famous for his “football will kill you” philosophy, believes this could be a record-breaking year. Speaking to KickOff, Thobejane suggested that the current situation favours Pirates from every angle.

The Battle for the Premiership

The race for the Betway Premiership is tightening. Pirates currently lead the standings with 38 points from 16 matches. Their rivals, Mamelodi Sundowns, sit on 32 points but have a game in hand.

The two giants meet this Wednesday at FNB Stadium. This fixture is widely seen as a title-deciding encounter. Thobejane notes that while Pirates are “on fire”, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs remain their biggest hurdles.

Cup Pedigree and Squad Management

Pirates are also competing in the Nedbank Cup Last 16. Thobejane credits their success to high scoring consistency and squad management. He specifically praised coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for his leadership.

According to the former coach, Pirates possess a unique cup pedigree. He believes they will continue to find the back of the net in every game. For those following the latest developments in South African football, you can find more updates on the bettors.co.za news page.

A Narrowing Gap

In recent years, Mamelodi Sundowns have dominated the league with ease. However, the general consensus for this season is different. Experts predict the title race will go down to the wire.

Thobejane insists that if Pirates maintain their current momentum, their achievements must be written in the history books. The upcoming Soweto Derby and matches against Sundowns will ultimately define if this bold prediction becomes a reality.