Pirates’ young stars stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 at a packed Dobsonville Stadium to secure the club’s first DDC league title in 11 years.

The Buccaneers completed a season double over Sundowns after previously thrashing them 5-1 earlier in the campaign, underlining the strength of the club’s rising generation.

Krieling, who joined the Pirates at the start of the season after leaving SuperSport United, secured his second DDC title as a coach. But this victory carried deep personal meaning.

Speaking emotionally to SuperSport TV after the final whistle, Krieling revealed why the moment hit him so hard.

“Five years ago, my father passed away on this day,” said Krieling.

“Credit to the boys, they fought. I don’t believe they should’ve been here.”

“Sundowns brought their big boys down. These boys deserve it from day one, they’ve been fighting, they’ve been in the league, they fought all their way through.”

The Pirates coach praised his team’s resilience and maturity, especially against a strong Sundowns side filled with quality players.

“Today, they showed character; we could suffer without the ball. Today, they proved themselves.”

While celebrations erupted in Dobsonville after the title win, Krieling quickly turned his attention to Pirates’ senior side, who remain locked in a tense Betway Premiership title race.

The Buccaneers are still chasing their first league crown since the 2011/12 season, and Krieling hopes the club can complete a dream campaign across all levels.

“Every trophy at Orlando Pirates has been won from the DDC all the way to the PSL, we would like to finish it off with the first team now,” he added.

For Pirates supporters, the future suddenly looks incredibly bright. Judging by the talent emerging from the club’s development structures, the Sea Robbers may only just be getting started.

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