Orlando Pirates have suffered back-to-back defeats for the second time this season under coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and this time, the warning signs are louder.
After losing consecutive league matches in August, the Buccaneers responded emphatically, embarking on a domestic surge that delivered two trophies.
In the Betway Premiership, they climbed from the bottom of the log to the summit by December before the AFCON break.
Everything seemed to be on track until this week, when they had to face Mamelodi Sundowns
Against rivals Sundowns, the Sea Robbers started brightly, creating three clear chances inside the opening 20 minutes. But while they wasted theirs, Masandawana were ruthless, converting their opportunities and putting the Buccaneers on the back foot.
Once behind, Orlando Pirates looked strangely subdued. The urgency expected from log leaders was missing. There was no sustained siege, no visible desperation. Instead, they appeared flat and short of ideas.
A humiliating defeat to first-division side Casric Stars on Saturday exposed underlying issues that may have been masked by cup success.
Here’s the uncomfortable truth Orlando Pirates fans may not want to admit:
Yes, Pirates have controlled large portions of games this season. But how often have they truly buried opponents?
More often than not, victories have come by a single-goal margin or via late winners after prolonged struggles to break teams down.
Orlando Pirates needed extra-time to win two finals
Even in finals, the Buccaneers have needed extra time to get over the line.
Against Stellenbosch FC, they were evenly matched before supersub Tshepang Moremi struck twice in extra time to secure silverware. Against Marumo Gallants, it took a fortunate strike from Relebohile Mofokeng to seal the deal.
And against Casric Stars? The luck ran out. Pirates have developed a reputation as cup specialists, kings of knockout football in South Africa. But being clutch is not the same as being dominant.
Take nothing away from them. Two trophies speak volumes but until Orlando Pirates start closing games early, scoring three or more goals, and asserting themselves with authority, they won’t be feared as a truly dominant force.
