No Abongile Tom, No trophy’s for Orlando Pirates?

by Nomonde Simelane

This season, Orlando Pirates managed to win the MTN 8 tournament, but failed to complete the treble after missing out on the CAF Champions League, Nedbank Cup and the Betway Premiership. Fans have accused the club of being unable to win any silverware without referee Abongile Tom.

Orlando Pirates fans are currently going through a whirlwind of emotions as they deal with the departure of their leader and coach, Jose Riviero, who had become a significant part of the club’s culture. Furthermore, they also have to come to terms with their club failing to achieve some of the accomplishments that were well within reach, like the recent loss to their arch-rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the Nedbank Cup Final, as well as losing the Premier League to Mamelodi Sundowns.

This took the club from potential treble contenders to coming away with just the MTN 8 championship, as Mamelodi Sundowns currently celebrate their eighth consecutive Premiership title.

As sports banter always goes, the opposing fans have begun taking jabs at the Soweto Giants, claiming that they have failed to prove their winning ability without their honorary 12th man, SAFA official Abongile Tom. This comes as Abongile’s time offficiating an Orlando Pirates match came this February when they clashed against Sekhukhune United.

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