Manqoba Mngqithi Explains Why Orlando Pirates Are Successful This Season
- Manqoba Mngqithi has opened up on the secret behind Orlando Pirates' success this season since the arrival of Abdeslam Ouaddou
- The former Fulham midfielder has led the Soweto giants to three titles in the Premier Soccer League this season, and still have two more to go
- The comments from the South African experienced tactician sparked mixed reactions from football fans on social media
Former Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Manqoba Mngqithi has pointed out the reason behind Orlando Pirates' success under Abdeslam Ouaddou this season.
Source: Getty Images
The South African tactician was in charge of the Carling All Stars team that faced the Buccaneers in the Carling Black Label Cup final on Saturday, December 13, 2025, and his team were unable to stop the Sea Robbers as the Soweto giants secured a 2-0 win to claim the title.
The Bucs are having an amazing start to the season under Ouaddou, as they ended 2025 with three trophies under the Moroccan and also sit at the top of the Betway Premiership table.
The Moroccan coach, who joined the Soweto giants at the start of the season, has also been tipped to end Mamelodi Sundowns' dominance in the Premier Soccer League this season, especially to lift the league.
Mngqithi opens up on Pirates' success
Mngqithi said what stood out about the current Pirates side was their efficiency, noting that while they do not always create a high volume of chances, they have been far more ruthless in punishing opponents' mistakes this season.
He attributed that improvement largely to the attacking additions of Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis, whom he believes have revitalised Pirates’ offensive play, while also highlighting Mbuthuma’s aerial strength, work rate, and defensive pressing from the front.
Source: Getty Images
However, the former Mamelodi Sundowns coach cautioned that this efficiency could be tested in the second half of the campaign, as more teams are likely to sit deep against Pirates, forcing them to rely less on transition play and more on creativity to break down low-block defences.
Here is what fans are saying on social media about Mngqithi's comment on Pirates' strong start and successful run this campaign.
EL Espolon said:
"Mngqithi is telling the truth, Pirates are strong on the wings."
Katlego Katz Masenya shared:
"But saying that and still losing against a team that you know how they play is pointless."
Ntuthuko N✌🏾Mtakajaja wrote:
"This Orlando Pirates hype is starting to annoy me, these men haven't won the League for 15 years, why this hype???"
Molemisi Mosiane implied:
"Manqoba must keep quiet; keeping Ndlondlo on for 90 minutes says a lot. He delivered a mandate that the Arrows are not supposed to beat the Pirates. We know that every season, Pirates have 12 points from Chippa and Arrows."
Bale King 👑reacted:
"He makes a valid point. But maybe our freshness and momentum will carry us through when we struggle against low blocks."
Kwesta Lavista added:
"We hurt this guy, man, even when he compliments us, it is always backhanded."
Mngqithi slams ref after losing to Pirates
Briefly News earlier reported that Mngqithi lashed out at officials after his Carling All Stars side lost to Orlando Pirates in the Black Label Cup final.
The former Chippa United boss was not happy with some of the decisions taken by the match officials.
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Source: Briefly News
