Orlando Pirates have not lifted the CAF Champions League trophy since their historic triumph in 1995, but a growing belief within the club suggests next season could finally end that three-decade drought. The Buccaneers have dominated domestically, adding a treble this season to a haul of eight cup trophies over the last four years, cementing their status as South Africa’s premier cup side. However, continental inconsistency remains a glaring issue: they reached the final in 2013 and impressed in 2024, but have also suffered embarrassing preliminary-stage exits, including last season’s failure to reach the group phase.
With domestic success now routine, attention has shifted to the one prize that still eludes them, especially as key attackers Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis reportedly attract interest from abroad. Pirates have already begun squad reinforcement, announcing the arrivals of Mthetheleli Mthiyane, Sbangani Zulu, and the Siwelele duo of Bohale Ngwato and Ghampani Lungu. Yet further quality is needed to compete with