Orlando Pirates Vice-Captain Tapelo Xoki Sets Sights on Betway Premiership Title

Orlando Pirates vice-captain Tapelo Xoki has outlined the approach the Soweto giants must take to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns for the Betway Premiership, with the title race expected to go down to the wire.

Bucs have had a strong start to the season, climbing to the top of the league standings with 28 points from 12 matches. The club welcomed nearly 10 new players at the beginning of the campaign, and the fresh additions have contributed to the team’s early surge.

Despite an early exit from the CAF Champions League preliminary stages, Pirates have already claimed silverware this season, lifting both the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies. However, the league title remains the ultimate goal. The club has not won the Premiership since the 2011/12 season and has repeatedly finished second to Mamelodi Sundowns in recent years.

In a trailer from the upcoming episodes of the Bucs Camp docuseries, Xoki emphasized unity as the key to lifting the league trophy.

“We are now welcoming almost 10 new players,” Xoki said. “It’s going to be a new cycle. This season, we want to win the league, and we are going to win the league, only when we are united. If we are divided, we won’t. Forget it, now.”

The Pirates squad is currently in Rustenburg, where they have set up a camp in preparation for the second half of the season. The team is scheduled to resume league action against Sekhukhune United at Peter Mokaba Stadium on January 24.

Xoki’s message highlights the importance of cohesion as Pirates aim to end their long wait for the Premiership trophy. With a mix of experienced leaders and new talent, the team is focusing on maintaining momentum and consistency in the race against Sundowns.

The coming weeks will be crucial as Pirates balance domestic ambitions with squad integration. Strong performances and team unity will be vital if Xoki and his teammates are to achieve their long-awaited league triumph.