Nduli Confident Pirates Can Repeat Historic Treble Triumph
Orlando Pirates midfielder Sihle Nduli believes the squad has what it takes to replicate last season’s remarkable domestic treble-winning campaign in the current term.
Pirates made history last season by winning the MTN8, Carling Knockout and Betway Premiership titles, completing the domestic treble for the third time in the PSL era.
The Buccaneers last achieved the feat in the 2011/12 season, having also won the treble in the previous campaign. They became the first team in the PSL era to claim the domestic treble in consecutive seasons.
Their first major test in repeating that success comes on Saturday night when they face Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final at a sold-out Moses Mabhida Stadium.
It is a tournament the Soweto giants have dominated in recent years, lifting the trophy four consecutive times and winning it five times in the last six seasons—including a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Sundowns at the same venue in the 2023/24 season.
Coincidentally, Sundowns’ last MTN8 title also came at Moses Mabhida Stadium, where they defeated Cape Town City on penalties.
Although an ankle injury rules Nduli out of Saturday’s showdown, the midfielder remains confident in the squad’s capability to maintain their domestic dominance.
“It is possible because the squad has stayed largely intact, and we have added quality players,” Nduli said.
“So, we have a genuine chance to achieve just as much, if not more, than what we achieved last season.”
Nduli’s confidence comes as a major surprise as Relebohile Mofokeng was one of the standout performers during Pirates’ treble-winning campaign last season before making a big-money move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise during the off-season.
Nduli, meanwhile, considers himself fortunate to have joined the Buccaneers from Stellenbosch FC and been part of a team that went on to achieve such success, despite spending considerable time on the sidelines because of injury.
“One has to thank God,” Nduli said with a smile.
“You also have to thank the coaches, the technical staff, and management for putting this group together and providing all the support we need. They are the ones who deserve the most credit.”
