Despite not making too many high-profile signings, the Buccaneers showed early promise, going unbeaten in their first 11 matches. Their standout moment came in the MTN8 final, where they clinched a third consecutive title with a commanding 3-1 win over Stellenbosch FC at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The club’s calculated recruitment strategy saw the addition of Bafana Bafana duo Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha, while several talented youngsters were promoted from the reserve team. And when adversity struck, it was the youth who stood tall.
Winger Monnapule Saleng’s abrupt exit midway through the season, following reported internal tensions, could have derailed the campaign. But head coach Jose Riveiro doubled down on his belief in youth, introducing Mohau Nkota and partnering him with breakout star Relebohile Mofokeng.
That decision paid dividends. Mofokeng, just 20, lit up the season with 27 goal contributions (12 goals, 15 assists), while Nkota made an immediate impact, scoring a brace in a 2-1 win over AmaZulu that sparked a five-game winning streak.
Pirates carried their domestic form into continental competition, easing past Disciples FC and Jwaneng Galaxy in the CAF Champions League qualifiers. In the group stages, they showed their resilience with victories over giants Al Ahly, Stade d’Abidjan, and CR Belouizdad, eventually booking a place in the knockouts.
Yet, inconsistencies at home proved costly. A shock 3-0 exit to Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup Round of 16 ended their silverware bid, while frustrating defeats to Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United saw them fall behind Mamelodi Sundowns in the title race.
Still, there were flashes of brilliance. Pirates produced their biggest-ever PSL victory in an 8-1 demolition of Marumo Gallants, and Mofokeng’s brace helped secure a memorable league double over Sundowns, temporarily reigniting title hopes.
In April, the club confirmed that Jose Riveiro would step down at the end of the season, a move that caught many by surprise given his success in cup competitions. But before he could finish the season, Pirates confirmed his early departure as he signed with Al Ahly.
Under interim coach Mandla Ncikazi, the Buccaneers closed out the campaign unbeaten in their final four fixtures, but with just one win. Despite a strong campaign overall, the season ended in heartbreak as Pirates crashed out of the Champions League in the quarterfinals and then lost the Nedbank Cup final to Kaizer Chiefs, just a week after beating their Soweto rivals in the league.
While the team didn’t get silverware on several fronts, there’s plenty of cause for optimism. Youngsters like Simphiwe Selepe, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Mofokeng have blossomed, with the former two earning recent Bafana Bafana call-ups.
The arrival of Moroccan coach Abdelslam Ouaddou signals the start of a new era. With a pre-season tour of Spain on the horizon and new signings already in the pipeline, Bucs will be hopeful of turning potential into trophies next season.
Key Season Stats – Orlando Pirates 2024/25
- Key Player: Relebohile Mofokeng – 27 goal contributions (12 goals, 15 assists)
- Top Scorer: Tshegofatso Mabasa – 15 goals
- Most Minutes: Deon Hotto – 4,300 minutes
- Clean Sheets: 24
- Sipho Chaine – 21
- Melusi Buthelezi – 2
- Siyabonga Dladla – 1
