‘It Pains Me To Say This’: Sundowns Chairman Makes Stunning Admission After Pirates Win Historic Treble
Mamelodi Sundowns chairman Tlhopie Motsepe has admitted that, despite winning the CAF Champions League, Orlando Pirates enjoyed a more successful 2025/26 season, adding that the Brazilians are determined to return stronger next campaign.
Sundowns’ only piece of silverware last season was the CAF Champions League title, as they fell short in all major domestic competitions.
In contrast, the Soweto giants enjoyed a remarkable campaign, completing a historic treble by winning the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and Betway Premiership title.
The two sides were locked in an intense battle for league supremacy throughout the season, with Pirates ultimately emerging victorious.
Their triumph ended a league title drought that had lasted more than a decade and denied Sundowns the opportunity to secure a ninth consecutive league championship.
Despite finally capturing the trophy they had been chasing for the past decade, Motsepe acknowledged that Pirates had the better overall season.
“While we can certainly say that this season was special, we cannot say that it was a complete success,” said Motsepe.
“We finished our 2026 campaign strongly, but we did not start as well as we had hoped. In addition to failing to win the domestic cup competitions, we also fell short of securing our ninth consecutive league title. As painful as it is to admit, we lost the league because our rivals were better than us over the course of the season.
“However, if we are to relinquish our domestic crown, let it be to an Orlando Pirates team that performed as exceptionally as they did this year. Congratulations to them and to the other clubs that won silverware this season. Mamelodi Sundowns is an ambitious club that strives to win every competition every year.”
Motsepe added that although Sundowns did not achieve all of their objectives last season, the club remains highly motivated to bounce back stronger.
“The years in which we do not win are the years that make us hungrier and more determined. Remember, every setback is an opportunity for a comeback,” he added.
