Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap looks at how their 13-year league title drought could finally come to an end.
There’s also a check on their league position and massive depth in central midfield and defence.
Let’s dive into it.
Central midfield options at Orlando Pirates
Youngster Camran Dansin announced himself to South African football with a screamer of a goal against Sundowns. That left-footed volley was the work of a skilled technician who’s learned the game as a deeper-lying midfield operator. Now, he’s been shifted into the number 10 role. All of these players provide depth for Pirates in the engine room
- Makhehleni Makhaula, 35
- Sihle Nduli, 30
- Thalente Mbatha, 25
- Sipho Mbule, 27
- Simphiwe Selepe, 20
- Masindi Nemtajela, 24
- Abdoulaye Mariko, 22
- Cemran Dansin, 20
There’s also a vast wealth of players in defence, with a healthy mix of youth and experience.
What’s next in the league?
The Sea Robbers are second in the league, three points adrift of leaders Sundowns. However, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men have two games in hand. Their next test is a home match with Chippa on Saturday, 22 November at 15:30. Many pundits believe this is the year for the Buccaneers to usurp Sundowns and become champions for the first time since 2012. Ouaddau will hope for Rele Mofokeng to come right after a slow start to the season; the 21-year-old has 42 direct goal contributions after 102 outings for the Sea Robbers.