Orlando Pirates set sights on league and Nedbank Cup glory, says Selaelo Rasebotja

Orlando Pirates midfielder Selaelo Rasebotja has reinforced the club’s all-in mentality ahead of the second round of the season, insisting the Buccaneers remain committed to challenging for every trophy still on offer.

Speaking at the 2026 Nedbank Cup draw on Thursday, Rasebotja underlined Pirates’ competitive mindset after they were paired with Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila, a side currently campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League.

“Pirates play every competition to win it so we’re going to do our best this time as well and hopefully we can win it,” said Rasebotja.

The Sea Robbers return to domestic action sitting top of the Betway Premiership, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns while also boasting a game in hand — a position that has sharpened belief within the squad.

Pirates’ league form has reignited talk of a genuine title challenge, with the Soweto giants seeking to halt Sundowns’ run of eight consecutive league crowns — a dominance that has defined the modern era of the competition.

Rasebotja acknowledged the scale of the task but insisted Pirates are approaching the campaign with patience and clarity.

“We are in that competition to win it as well and we understand that the league is a marathon so we approach each game to win it,” he said.

“If we do the right things and keep the momentum, I think we stand a very good chance to win it.”

Momentum has been a defining feature of Pirates’ season so far. The Buccaneers have already secured two major trophies — the MTN8 and the Carling Knockout — during the opening half of the campaign, reaffirming their reputation as one of the most formidable knockout sides in South African football.

That pedigree will again be tested in the Nedbank Cup, a competition Pirates have lifted a record 10 times and are now targeting for an 11th triumph.

The motivation is heightened by memories of last season’s final, where Pirates suffered a heartbreaking defeat to arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs. That loss halted what could have been a historic treble and left a lingering sense of unfinished business.

Having won the Nedbank Cup twice in the last three seasons, the Sea Robbers are determined to reclaim the trophy and add another chapter to their rich cup legacy.

Despite being drawn against lower-division opposition in Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila, Rasebotja was quick to stress the importance of respect and professionalism.

“It’s an interesting fixture for us but also not forgetting that they’re a professional side,” he said.

“As a professional player and team, we have to take every game seriously even though they come from the lower divisions. They also deserve respect, so it’s a game to look forward to for us.”

For Pirates, the challenge now lies in sustaining their intensity across competitions — balancing the grind of a league title push with the unforgiving demands of knockout football.

Yet, as Rasebotja’s words suggest, there will be no compromise.

Pirates are not choosing battles this season. They are embracing all of them.