Orlando Pirates have a set of interesting fixtures coming up to close out what’s been a productive calendar year.
The Sea Robbers are a well-drilled defensive unit under Abdeslam Ouaddou.
Here’s what lies ahead for the Moroccan boss and his title-challenging charges.
Orlando Pirates fixtures on the horizon
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. Youngster Rele Mofokeng has 42 direct goal contributions after 102 outings for the Sea Robbers. Then it’s a trip to Durban City on Saturday, 29 November at 15:30. Their final Betway Prem outing of the calendar year is a home clash with Richards Bay on Tuesday, 2 December at 19:30. Sipho Mbule is the talk of the town after a pair of assists for Bafana in a friendly against Zambia. However, time will tell if the 27-year-old can deliver the goods in the final third in meaningful matches over the course of a season.
Sesane’s injury ruined the title challenge last season
When Thabiso Sesane was cut down with a serious injury in February, nobody knew how profound an effect that event would have on Pirates’ title charge. On paper, central defence was arguably the team’s deepest resource with Tapelo Xoki, Olisa Ndah and Nkosinathi Sibisi as options. However, Ndah also battled injuries, and both Xoki and Sibisi suffered dips in form last term. The late-season emergence of an outstandingly gifted star, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, was a huge boost, but none of the club’s existing centre-halves could offer Sesane’s unique skill set. The 25-year-old was quietly and effectively becoming the marshal of Pirates’ back four.