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.
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What may have started out as a potential trophy haul is quickly turning into what looks like a single trophy only for Orlando Pirates! ?
The Buccaneers fell to a 2-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the Nedbank Cup final today.❌ pic.twitter.com/KUItLk1Lm5
— Sahil Ebrahim (@sahil_e_) May 10, 2025
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.
Orlando Pirates is nothing without Abongile Tom ??? pic.twitter.com/ZEn3xOYyrP
— ?Minister (Hlox3n) ? (@hloxmashabela) May 10, 2025
These frauds thought they are cup kings forgetting Abongile Tom will not always be there. They must suffer for all those finals they stole using robbery. ?️Ayikhale lee???????????? pic.twitter.com/j8S0p4GSXq
— MJ The Anointed (@nyandeni85) May 10, 2025
He wouldn’t survive at other teams, though. Only Orlando Pirates had all the tools to help him win trophies, thanks to players like Abongile Tom https://t.co/vRhSaMpBGI
— Real Champions Online Branch (@MSFC__) May 14, 2025
NO Abongile Tom, NO champions league final pic.twitter.com/jjX6b8D7Nt
— CIC (@PatBafo) April 25, 2025
Also see: Lesego Marakalla returns to ‘Skeem Saam’
