The last time Orlando Pirates won the league, BBM ruled and Mandela was still alive

The last time Orlando Pirates won the league, BlackBerry was still popular. Image: @Marketing_JR/X The last time Orlando Pirates lifted the Betway Premiership trophy, iconic figures like Nelson Mandela were still alive. It's been 13 long years since the Buccaneers last tasted league success. They came close in 2019 but narrowly lost out to Mamelodi Sundowns on the final day of the season. Since winning their second successive treble in 2012, the Soweto giants endured a difficult spell before Spanish coach José Riveiro took charge in 2022. Under Riveiro, Pirates have enjoyed a resurgence, winning five trophies in just three years and even reaching the CAF Champions League semi-finals. Having claimed six domestic titles since 2022, the Buccaneers now have their sights firmly set on ending their long league drought. After crashing out of the Champions League in the early stages last weekend, the Betway Premiership remains their main objective. They are still competing in the Carling Knockout Cup, which could yet add another piece of silverware to their growing collection. When Orlando Pirates last won the league back in 2012, the world looked very different: Thirteen years may not seem long on paper, but for Orlando Pirates fans, it's been a lifetime waiting for another league triumph.