Orlando Pirates’ DStv Diski Challenge coach Roscoe Krieling has outlined the next step for his players after they clinched their maiden league title this past weekend.
The Buccaneers wrapped up the PSL reserve league in style after claiming a comfortable 2-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns at the Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto to win the title on the final day of the campaign.
Pirates edged Sundowns to the DDC trophy, with the Tshwane giants also in the hunt for the league crown won by Chiefs last season. Masandawana needed to secure maximum points in their final match to clinch the title; however, the Soweto giants proved to be too strong.
The Sea Robbers lifted the trophy for the first time since the reserve competition’s inception in 2014, when it was known as the MultiChoice Diski Challenge [MDC].
During the 2025/26 campaign, Pirates produced a dominant run, accumulating 75 points with a record of 23 wins, three draws, and three defeats across 30 matches.
A handful of players delivered standout performances throughout the season, raising questions about their chances of promotion to the senior team under Abdeslam Ouaddou.
KRIELING BACK PIRATES DDC STARS FOR FIRST TEAM PROMOTION
Addressing the future of the youngsters, the former SuperSport United man said the players need to be promoted to the first team or be loaned out because they have outgrown the reverse league.
Players such as Mpho Padime, Jabulani Mokone, Lebo Mohlala, Tshepo Mhlambi, Joy Manana, Seth Green, and Simphiwe Masilela are amongst the top performers who could be considered for first team promotion.
“I think having players that are willing to listen and adapt to the tactics that are given, you can blend in any player. The modern footballers have to play various positions, and that’s key,” Krieling said, crediting his players for a great season.
“When Oratile [Rantasi] came in the pre-season, he could only play on the left wing, and I said there is no way you are going to play only on the left, and he started most games on the right and got his Man-of-the-Match playing on the right last week.
“So it’s good to see the boys [doing well], and I think I would want to see these boys going to the first team and try to get opportunities there and not go in the DDC again. I think they need to go out on loan for those who won’t make the first team and expose themselves to a higher level of football because they’ve now surpassed the DDC.”
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