Orlando Pirates are reflecting on what has been a mixed season that saw them record improved performances in the PSL and CAF Champions League.
Pirates finished second for the third season in a row but managed a record 61 points, winning 19 games for the first time, but that was still 12 points behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
It shows the difficult task the Buccaneers have of catching the Brazilians and they need to really strengthen in key areas to narrow the gap, leave alone winning the league.
One of the areas Pirates must strengthen is in attack with a striker a key target that should be brought in after Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa, their main strikers, were outscored by winger Relebohile Mofokeng (nine goals) in the just-concluded season, having managed eight and six goals respectively.
But who are the strikers that are within reach for Orlando Pirates?
Devin Titus
The Stellenbosch FC forward filled the boots of Iqraam Rayners, who left for Sundowns, and can do a good job for Pirates after scoring 13 goals while providing seven assists in 51 games last season.
Titus, who primarily plays as a right winger, can also slot in at centre-forward, and played a key role as Stellies reached the CAF Confederation Cup semi-final and finished an impressive third in the PSL.
Ryan Ogam
Pirates have been linked to Kenyan strikers before and they would do well to check out Ryan Ogam who plays for 13-time Kenyan champions Tusker FC.
Ogam has been a revelation this season, scoring 15 league goals in the Kenyan top flight by March until an injury cut his season short.
At 21, the striker would form a great partnership with the other youngsters in the team, and he is not afraid of the big stage as this is his first season in the top flight yet he has bagged 15 goals.
Kwame Opoku
Ghanaian striker Kwame Opoku has been reported to be on the radar of Orlando Pirates with reports claiming that his representatives are keen for him to play for one of South Africa’s top clubs.
Opoku, who is 26, is at the prime of his career and nine goals in 16 games last season prove that he is capable of leading the line, if Pirates take a chance on him.
It is known, however, if his current club Asante Kotoko will want to lose him easily as a higher transfer fee might be required to get the Kumasi-born striker to Johannesburg.
Yanela Mbuthuma
Wanted by both Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates, Yanela Mbuthuma just signed a new contract at Richards Bay last month aimed at fending off the interest but that does not mean the Sea Robbers cannot get him if they really want and pay what the Natal Rich Boyz ask for.
Mbuthuma scored six goals in 27 matches last season, including five in the league, and could be a great addition although the stumbling block would be a huge transfer fee now that he has been tied to a new deal.
Michael Olunga
Could Pirates beat Chiefs to one of their key targets? Kenyan captain Michael Olunga has been on the radar of Chiefs since last year and now he is a free agent after leaving Qatari giants Al Duhail last month.
Olunga would represent a major upgrade on all the strikers Pirates have as he is a goal machine who has not scored less than 20 goals in the last six years with this season the only time he has gone below, after managing 15.
The only problem would be that Olunga, who was on $1.9 million per year at Al Duhail, would command a huge salary that Pirates might not afford while at 31, the Buccaneers might deem him old given their tendency to go for younger players.
