Orlando Pirates Last League Winners 2012 | Where Are They Now

In 2012, Orlando Pirates were at the top of South African football.

Under the guidance of coach Augusto Palacios and later Roger de Sá, the Buccaneers clinched the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title for the second time in a row, completing a historic domestic treble that included the MTN8 and the Telkom Knockout.

The squad was packed with talent, hunger, and chemistry, and they dominated the league with flair and tactical discipline.

But over a decade later, fans often ask: where are the heroes of that legendary season now?

At the heart of that team was goalkeeper and captain Senzo Meyiwa.

The late shot-stopper was more than just a last line of defense — he was the soul of the team.

Tragically, Meyiwa was killed in 2014 in a shocking home invasion, a loss that shook the nation and left a void in South African football that still hasn’t been filled.

His legacy lives on, with ongoing calls for justice and his name often chanted in Orlando Stadium.

In defense, Rooi Mahamutsa and Siyabonga Sangweni formed one of the most formidable centre-back pairings in the league.

Mahamutsa continued playing at the highest level for a few more seasons, including a notable stint at Free State Stars before quietly fading out of the spotlight.

Sangweni, on the other hand, was forced into early retirement in 2016 due to a recurring knee injury.

He has since focused on youth development projects in KwaZulu-Natal and remains a beloved figure in Pirates folklore.

Happy Jele, the ever-loyal fullback, is one of the few players from that era who remained with the club for an extended time.

Jele became a Pirates legend, eventually serving as club captain and reaching over 400 appearances for the Buccaneers before parting ways with the team in 2022.

He joined Royal AM briefly before stepping back from professional football.

His leadership, consistency, and love for the badge have made him a symbol of the club’s enduring spirit.

Another iconic name from the 2012 team is Oupa Manyisa.

Nicknamed “Ace,” the dynamic midfielder was central to Pirates’ rhythm and creativity.

His performances caught the attention of Mamelodi Sundowns, where he moved in 2017, though he never quite replicated his Bucs form.

Manyisa’s career took a downturn with injuries and short stints at various clubs, including TTM and Chippa United.

Despite the struggles, he remains a respected figure for what he brought to Pirates in his prime.

Andile Jali, then a rising star, was another crucial part of the midfield engine.

His move to Belgian side KV Oostende in 2014 marked one of South Africa’s most high-profile European transfers at the time.

Jali later returned to Mzansi to play for Sundowns, where he won more silverware.

His off-field behavior and fitness issues have caused controversy, but on his day, he is still considered one of the most talented midfielders the country has produced in the past decade.

In attack, Benni McCarthy’s protégé, Bongani Ndulula, offered physical presence and an aerial threat, while Tlou Segolela dazzled fans with his pace and trickery.

Ndulula’s career, however, was short-lived.

Despite showing potential, he drifted into obscurity, plagued by inconsistency and fitness problems.

Segolela, best known for his electrifying runs and crucial assists, also faded from top-level football by the late 2010s.

He has since been involved in coaching and mentorship roles within the Pirates youth structures.

Sifiso Myeni and Daine Klate were among the most dependable wide players during that golden era.

Klate, in particular, is one of the most decorated players in South African football history, having won league titles with both SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates.

After retiring, he transitioned into coaching, taking over Chippa United in 2022 and continuing to build his career in football management.

Myeni also moved into a behind-the-scenes role and remains closely connected to the footballing community.

Lehlohonolo Majoro played an essential part in the team’s attacking strategy, often used as an impact player.

His journey took him through several PSL clubs, including Kaizer Chiefs and AmaZulu, before winding down his career in the early 2020s.

He’s now mostly out of the spotlight but is occasionally seen at football events and charity matches.

Coach Roger de Sá, who took over late in the 2012 season, led Pirates to several deep continental runs, including the CAF Champions League final in 2013.

After leaving the club, de Sá had coaching stints with Ajax Cape Town, Platinum Stars, and national team roles, including working with the Egyptian national team alongside Carlos Queiroz.

His tactical acumen and calm demeanor are still remembered fondly by the Buccaneers faithful.

Behind the scenes, team manager Floyd Mbele and administrative figure Screamer Tshabalala were instrumental in maintaining structure and direction for the squad.

While their roles have evolved over the years, both continued to play significant parts in club operations well into the next decade.

What made the 2012 Orlando Pirates squad so memorable wasn’t just the trophies—it was the character.

The resilience, unity, and desire to play for the badge were visible in every match.

Their success revived a sense of pride in the club and reasserted Pirates as a dominant force in South African football.

Though many of those players have moved on, retired, or faded into quieter roles, their legacy remains deeply etched in the club’s rich history.

Today, as Pirates continue to search for consistency and aim to reclaim the glory of those early 2010s, fans look back at the class of 2012 as a benchmark.

They were not perfect, but they were fearless.

And more importantly, they were winners.

The journey of where they are now serves as a reminder that football careers are fleeting, but moments of greatness—like that title-winning season—live forever.