Orlando Pirates FC's recent treble win, including the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout Cup, and MTN8, has been hailed as a historic achievement, with club legend Tlou Segolela crediting Mamelodi Sundowns for pushing the team to improve. Segolela, a key member of the Pirates squad that secured the double-treble over a decade ago, believes Sundowns' relentless dominance was the catalyst for Pirates' success. The Buccaneers' title triumph follows a period where they finished as runners-up on three occasions while Sundowns monopolised the league trophy. Pirates' final points tally of 69 was just enough to edge out the Brazilians in a title race that went down to the wire. Abdeslam Ouaddou's side will now face the challenge of maintaining consistency, with Segolela warning that the work is only beginning for the club. The former Pirates star noted that the target on the back of the Buccaneers will now be larger than ever, and the transition from hunters to the hunted will be the ultimate test for Ouaddou's tactical setup and the squad's mental fortitude. The rivalry between Pirates and Sundowns is now sharper than it has been in years, with Segolela believing that the increased parity at the top of the table has revitalised the league's marketing appeal and brought back the intensity that fans had been craving. For Segolela, the victory is sweet, but it was long time coming for a club of Pirates' stature given their historical pedigree. The 38-year-old former winger added that considering the history and standards that the club carries in South African football, it is not ideal to go for such a long period without winning the league title. The resurgence of Pirates and the continued threat of Sundowns bodes well for the health of South African football. The challenge of maintaining consistency will be a tough one for Pirates, but with the squad's mental fortitude and Ouaddou's tactical setup, they will be looking to stay at the top. And with the new campaign kicking off soon, the pressure to repeat this success will be immediate. So, the Buccaneers will have to be at their best to match the sustained excellence that Sundowns showcased for nearly a decade. But for now, the celebrations continue in Soweto, and the team will be looking to build on this success in the coming seasons.