The notion that Orlando Pirates should dispatch thank-you notes to Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, and Stellenbosch FC for allegedly clearing their path to a long-awaited league crown is not just patronizing—it is a dangerous normalization of league-wide dependency that hollows out the competitive soul of the Betway Premiership. Pirates have not won a top-flight title since 2012, and the suggestion that their success hinges on rivals’ failures rather than their own merit insults the hard work of Jose Riveiro’s squad and the very concept of a championship race.
Let’s dissect the specific “assistance” cited by those pushing this narrative. Sundowns’ shock 1-0 loss to SuperSport United in February—where Lucas Ribeiro’s early header was canceled by Bradley Grobler’s clinical finish—did hand Pirates an unexpected three-point swing, but that result was born from Gavin Hunt’s tactical discipline, not a gift. Kaizer Chiefs’ 2-2 draw with Polokwane City last month, in which Ashley Du Preez’s late equalizer salvaged a point, is somehow framed as Chiefs doing Pirates a favor by not losing. That’s absurd—Chiefs were fighting for their own top-eight aspirations. And Stellenbosch’s goalless stalemate with Sundowns? Steve Barker’s men defended superbly, earning a deserved point through sheer organization and Deano van Rooyen’s tireless running. To call these outcomes “favors” erases the agency of every other club and player. Pirates themselves earned their position through Monnapule Saleng’s dazzling wing play, Evidence Makgopa’s crucial goals, and a defense marshaled by Nkosinathi Sibisi that conceded just 12 goals in 21 matches. No rival handed them that.
The implication of this gratitude narrative is corrosive. If we accept that Pirates must thank others for their probable title, we implicitly excuse any future underperformance: “Well, we didn’t get the help we needed.” It shifts accountability from the Soweto giants’ own squad planning and match-day execution to the whims of third parties. Worse, it demeans the league itself. A championship should be a measure of sustained excellence over 30 rounds, not a reward for being the least-unlucky recipient of others’ dropped points. When Sundowns dominated four straight titles, we never heard calls for other clubs to thank Pirates for not beating them—because that would be ridiculous. Parity requires every result to stand on its own integrity.
Here is the verdict: If Orlando Pirates lift the Betway Premiership trophy in May, the only people they should thank are their own players, coaches, and the fans who packed Orlando Stadium. Anything less diminishes their achievement and sets a precedent that will haunt South African football for years. Stop the gratitude—start respecting the grind.