Orlando Pirates Eye End To Long PSL Title Drought

Orlando Pirates are in a strong position to end their long Premier Soccer League title drought. The club sits at the top of the table. They control their fate. This season gives them a real chance to finish ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns. That has not happened in eight seasons. Pirates have been Sundowns’ closest challengers in recent years. They pushed hard under Jose Riveiro but never managed to overtake the champions. New coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is now trying to finish what his predecessor could not.

Ouaddou arrived with a clear plan. He impressed in his previous job at Marumo Gallants. His teams played quick, organised football. Pirates hired him because they saw potential. The move surprised many, but his early impact is clear. Pirates play faster. They are more direct. They are tactically sharper. These changes give them a new edge in the title race.

Pirates are enjoying strong form. They have 28 points from 12 matches. They lead Sundowns by three points. Their recent 2-0 win at Durban City strengthened their title claim. The team recovered well after losing their first two league matches. Their current run is the best the club has produced in the PSL era. This gives them confidence heading into the rest of the season.

The squad has become a well balanced unit. Riveiro built a strong foundation. Ouaddou refined it. He introduced new ideas without disrupting what worked. He adjusted the team’s structure. He added competition through smart signings. The squad now shows depth and cohesion. Every player knows his role. This stability helps Pirates maintain consistency.

Their defensive record shows how well the team functions. Pirates have conceded only five goals in 12 matches. The defence has kept eight clean sheets. Sipho Chaine has performed well in goal, but the defensive line protects him effectively. Mbekezeli Mbokazi leads a disciplined unit that rarely loses shape. A defence that secure can carry a team through tough fixtures.

Pirates also benefit from Sundowns’ recent dip. The champions are still dangerous. They still dominate possession. They still create chances. But their form has been less convincing in late 2025. Coach Miguel Cardoso has struggled to match the fluidity that Pitso Mosimane and Rhulani Mokwena achieved. The team has moments of brilliance, but they lack their usual consistency. Pirates can take advantage if this trend continues.

Pirates must stay focused. The season is long. Sundowns will punish any slip. But early signs show a team with purpose. Ouaddou’s influence is growing. The squad looks balanced. The defence is strong. The momentum is real. Pirates have waited many years to lift the league trophy again. This season gives them a genuine chance to end that wait.