“It’s Not About Who Plays” – Lebitso Breaks Silence on Pirates Competition as Title Race Heats Up
As Orlando Pirates continue their push for the Betway Premiership title, defender Thabiso Lebitso has offered a rare insight into the intense internal competition driving the squad this season.
Despite Pirates’ strong run of form at the top of the table, not every player has enjoyed consistent game time – and Lebitso is among those navigating the challenge of fighting for a place in a highly competitive squad.
At the start of the campaign, Lebitso was one of several options at right-back, competing alongside players such as Deano van Rooyen, Kamogelo Sebelebele and Bandile Shandu. The depth in that position has made regular selection difficult, even as the team continues to deliver results.
The 34-year-old has featured in 14 matches across all competitions this season, but has recently found himself on the fringes. He was named on the bench during Pirates’ latest league outing – a dominant 6–0 victory over TS Galaxy – highlighting the level of competition within the squad.
Rather than expressing frustration, Lebitso has embraced a team-first mentality, stressing the importance of unity as Pirates chase silverware.
Speaking in an interview with iDiski Times, the experienced defender emphasised that success will depend on collective effort rather than individual roles.
“Playing for Pirates, it’s important to support the next one,” Lebitso said. “When we want to win the league, we need to work together. Whoever plays, whoever is selected, we support them – it’s important.”
He added: “It’s not about who takes your position. It’s about working together. We want to win trophies, we want the league, and we need everyone. Whenever you get a chance, you must play wholeheartedly – and if you don’t, you wait for your chance.”
Orlando Pirates players Yanela Mbuthuma, Thabiso Lebitso and Abdoulaye Mariko (Image: Orlando Pirates)
Lebitso’s most recent full appearance came on 6 December 2025, when he played the entire 120 minutes in Pirates’ 1–0 victory over Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout final.
Since then, opportunities have been limited, but his attitude reflects the broader culture within a Pirates squad determined to maintain momentum in a tightly contested title race.
Pirates currently sit at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with 51 points from 22 matches, holding a slender one-point lead over defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.
With the margin for error minimal, squad depth and unity could prove decisive in the final stretch of the season.
With the FIFA international break underway, Pirates will next return to action on 7 April when they host Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The fixture presents another crucial opportunity for the Buccaneers to strengthen their position at the top – and for players like Lebitso, it could also offer a chance to step back into the spotlight.
As the title race intensifies, his message is clear: individual roles may change, but the mission remains the same.