Orlando Pirates could be in for a rude awakening next season if they fail to address several key weaknesses within their squad.
Although the Buccaneers enjoyed a successful campaign by winning three trophies, they were far from flawless.
Both domestic cup finals required extra time before Pirates emerged victorious, while the Betway Premiership title race went down to the final day.
Despite scoring the most goals and conceding the fewest in the league, there were several matches in which they struggled to convert chances. If that trend continues, stronger opposition could make them pay.
Here are three areas of concern for Orlando Pirates ahead of the new season.
Lack of a clinical striker
The Buccaneers have yet to invest in a proven goalscorer, and that could come back to haunt them.
Evidence Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma both failed to reach double figures in goals last season, leaving much of the attacking burden on Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis. While both wingers delivered impressive numbers, relying on wide players for goals is not always sustainable.
Signing one or two clinical finishers could make the difference, particularly in high-pressure matches where a single chance often decides the outcome.
Orlando Pirates will miss Mofokeng
Replacing Relebohile Mofokeng’s creativity
Mofokeng’s departure leaves a significant void in Pirates’ attack.
The 21-year-old was often the player capable of unlocking stubborn defences with his creativity, vision and ability to score important goals. His influence in the final third made Pirates far less predictable.
As things stand, the Buccaneers lack a natural attacking midfielder with the same level of invention. They need someone capable of breaking down deep defensive blocks, especially against teams that are content to sit back.
Letting experienced squad players leave
Orlando Pirates have also weakened their squad depth by allowing several quality players to depart.
Tshegofatso Mabasa, Thabiso Lebitso, Thabiso Sesane and Sipho Mbule all possessed attributes that could have been valuable during a demanding campaign that includes the CAF Champions League.
Sesane played a key role in Pirates’ 2024 success before injuries disrupted his progress, while Lebitso proved to be a dependable option at right-back and an ideal deputy to Deano van Rooyen.
Mbule’s creativity and ability to play in multiple midfield roles would also have been valuable for squad rotation and injury cover.
While the club has strengthened in certain areas, losing experienced players without replacing their qualities could leave Orlando Pirates vulnerable when fixture congestion begins.
