Following Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership triumph this past season, the side’s former winger Tlou Segolela says Mamelodi Sundowns deserve credit for how they raised the bar on the domestic front.
The Buccaneers secured a treble this recently-concluded campaign, which also included the league title, the Carling Knockout Cup and the MTN 8 trophy. It was their first league honours and treble in 14 years.
They finished first in the league on 69 points, a point ahead of Sundowns who won the last eight straight titles, where the former came second in three terms before the 2026 turnaround.
Segolela who was part of the last side to win a treble with the Ghost in 2012 spoke to iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 257 of the newspaper. The 38-year-old expressed joy for his former side’s achievements adding that Sundowns’ dominance has forced everyone to level up and now Pirates need to be consistent.
“For a club of the stature of Orlando Pirates, winning the league again after many years is a proud moment for the team, the supporters, and everyone associated with the club,” Segolela told iDiski Times.
“However, considering the history and standards that the club carries in South African football, it is not ideal to go for such a long period without winning the league title.
“At the same time, credit must be given to Mamelodi Sundowns because they have taken the league to another level in terms of consistency, points accumulation and dominance over recent years. Their standards forced every club to improve.”
‘Pirates New Challenge Is…’
Segolela also pointed out that Pirates’ new challenge in the coming season will be to continue to compete at this high level for the coming seasons.
“Now that Pirates have finally reached the top again, the challenge is no longer only about winning the league, but about maintaining that level season after season,” he continued.
“For the PSL, it is very good for the competition because it brings back strong rivalry, pressure, excitement and competitiveness at the highest level.”