Orlando Pirates Season Preview: Star player, weakness, good season, predicted finish

After a solid but ultimately unfulfilling season, Orlando Pirates are determined to come back stronger and challenge for the coveted Betway Premiership title. 

The Buccaneers finished in a respectable second place last season, 12 points behind perennial champions Mamelodi Sundowns. 

While a second-place finish is nothing to scoff at, the club's primary goal remains to dethrone the Brazilians, who secured their eighth consecutive league title.

A New Era Under Ouaddou

This season marks a new chapter for the Buccaneers, as they are now under the guidance of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou. 

He takes over from Jose Riveiro, who had a successful three-year stint that saw him win three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups before moving on to Egyptian powerhouse Al Ahly.

Ouaddou's tenure began with a pre-season camp in Spain, a third consecutive trip for the club. The team faced four highly-rated opponents, with a record of one win, one loss, and two draws. 

Ouaddou's first official match in charge was a successful one, as his team defeated Polokwane City 2-0 in the MTN8 quarterfinal, offering a promising start to the new campaign.

Squad Depth Bolstered by New Signings

The club has been busy in the transfer market, making several key signings to strengthen the team and provide the squad depth needed to compete on multiple fronts. 

The new faces include:

• Sipho Mbule
• Sihle Nduli
• Oswin Appollis
• Yanela Mbuthuma
• Nkosikhona Ndaba
• Lebone Seema
• Tshepo Mashiloane
• Masindi Nemtajela
• Kamogelo Sebelebele
• Abdoulaye Mariko
• Sinoxolo Kwayiba
• Tshepang Moremi

These additions signal the club's intent to seriously challenge Sundowns and compete for all available trophies this season.

Star Player Mofokeng to Lead the Charge?

The star player for the Buccaneers last season was undoubtedly Relebohile Mofokeng. His stellar performances earned him both the Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season and the MTN8 Last Man Standing awards. 

While he may have had a quiet performance in the opening match against Polokwane, his track record shows he is a player who thrives under pressure. 

His ability to consistently deliver goals and assists makes him a vital asset for the team.

However, many believe that new signings Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule could also emerge as key players, providing the attacking support needed to lessen the burden on Mofokeng and give the team a more dynamic and unpredictable front line.

A Potential Weakness to Exploit

Despite their formidable squad, the Buccaneers may still have a notable weakness that opposing teams could exploit. 

Last season, especially in the CAF Champions League, the pairing of center-backs Nkosinathi Sibisi and Mbekezeli Mbokazi struggled to defend against set-pieces. 

Both players are considered shorter in stature, which could be a recurring problem this season if not addressed, as opponents will be keen to test this vulnerability.

A Good Season for the Bucs?

For Pirates, a successful season is simple: win the league. That was their main goal last season, and it remains the top priority. 

Their strong start last season, where they accumulated points early and maintained consistency, was a key factor in their title challenge. If they can replicate that kind of form, they will undoubtedly be in the running for the title.

Predicted Finish

While the Buccaneers have strengthened their team, it will be an uphill battle to unseat Mamelodi Sundowns. 

The Brazilians look stronger than ever, and for this reason, it is likely that Orlando Pirates will finish the season in second place again, closely trailing the league champions.