Orlando Pirates may not currently be recognised as the best team in the country, but their position in the league does not accurately reflect their performance this season.
While they sit third in the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers have already secured the MTN8 trophy and reached the semi-final of the Carling Knockout Cup.
With only second place separating them from Mamelodi Sundowns in the league, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team can take comfort in having two games in hand over their rivals.
This past weekend, the two teams played to a 1-1 draw at Loftus Versfeld, which felt more like a loss for Pirates, as they missed several opportunities against a vulnerable Sundowns.
After nine matches, the Sea Robbers are third on the log with 19 points and can feel confident as they head into upcoming matches.
What sets Pirates apart from their rivals is their overall performance
Although they are level on points with archrivals Kaizer Chiefs, Pirates have shown better form recently.
Early in the season, Amakhosi started strong with 10 points from their first four matches, while the Buccaneers faced back-to-back defeats in their first two fixtures. However, Ouaddou made the necessary adjustments, leading his team to their third consecutive MTN8 title, which has revitalised their league performance and positioned them as serious contenders for the league title.
Last weekend’s match demonstrated that Pirates are currently ahead of Sundowns, although that could change if the Brazilians find their rhythm.
Sundowns have already been eliminated from two cup competitions and are now focusing on the CAF Champions League and the Betway Premiership as their means of redemption.
With the Buccaneers displaying a solid defence and a dynamic attack, they appear more balanced than both Sundowns and Chiefs.
Furthermore, being out of the CAF Champions League allows Pirates to dedicate more time to the league, which could work to their advantage.