Inside The Structural Overhaul That Brought The Treble Back To Pirates
Orlando Pirates sporting director Mpumi Khoza praised the club’s strong structure after the Buccaneers ended their 14-year league drought by securing a historic domestic treble this season.
Pirates sealed the Betway Premiership title with a 2-0 victory over Orbit College on Saturday, finally reclaiming the league crown for the first time since the 2011/12 campaign.
Earlier this season, the Buccaneers had already lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies, completing the same treble they last achieved during the memorable 2011/12 season.
The club’s success was not limited to the senior team, as Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side also enjoyed a historic campaign by winning their first league title since the competition’s inception in the 2014/15 season.
Speaking to SABC Sport, Khoza credited the success to the strong collaboration between different departments within the club, including the technical team, scouting department, and development structures.
“If you look at what the DDC team achieved this season by also winning the league, it is a testament to the entire club working together,” Khoza said.
“The players we managed to promote, together with the scouts who worked closely with the technical team, all contributed. I think it was this collaborative approach that helped us secure the title.
“As I said, it was a collective effort, and coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, with what he brought to the club, made sure he worked closely with the technical team already in place.”
Khoza also reserved special praise for the club’s supporters and acknowledged the role played by the PSL leadership and member clubs in helping improve local football.
“First of all, I would like to thank all our fans because, without them, none of this would have been possible,” he added.
“What is also important is to thank the PSL EXCO, the 32 member clubs, including the chairmen and chairladies, for making this possible.
“Without their selfless investment in football, I do not think achievements like this would be possible.”
