Orlando Pirates are in contention for three major trophies: the Premier Soccer League (PSL), CAF Champions League, and Nedbank Cup. However, their biggest obstacle remains Mamelodi Sundowns, who have been the dominant force in South African football. While Sundowns have set the benchmark, the Buccaneers have the potential to challenge them if they focus on key areas.
Consistency Is Key
Former Pirates striker Albert Mahlangu has stressed that consistency is crucial if the club hopes to win trophies this season. He believes that while Pirates have a strong squad, they must maintain high-performance levels throughout the campaign.
“One of the most important things they need to work on is consistency. Without it, progress becomes a challenge. It’s not enough to perform well for a few games. They need to maintain that high level of performance throughout the rest of the season,” Mahlangu told FARPost.
He also praised the club’s strategy of promoting young players, such as Relebohile Mofokeng, which has strengthened the squad. According to him, the team must trust the coach’s tactics and take things one game at a time.
Tactical Discipline and Squad Depth
Pirates have already shown they can compete with Sundowns, having recently defeated them. Their next challenge is to maintain this level of performance and turn one-off victories into consistent results.
With the CAF Champions League quarter-finals against MC Alger approaching, Pirates must prove they can handle high-pressure situations. If they can overcome the Algerian giants, it will boost their confidence in competing at the highest level.
How Orlando Pirates Can Beat Sundowns and Win Trophies
For Orlando Pirates to win the PSL and CAF Champions League, they must focus on the following key areas:
- Maintain Consistency – Pirates must perform at a high level in every match, avoiding unnecessary dropped points.
- Improve Squad Rotation – Managing fatigue in a busy schedule is crucial to keeping players fresh for big matches.
- Be Clinical in Front of Goal – Wasted chances have cost them in the past. Strikers like Evidence Makgopa must be more efficient.
- Strengthen Defence – Sundowns are a high-scoring team. Pirates need a solid defence to shut down key players like Teboho Mokoena and Lucas Ribeiro.
- Win Big Matches – Defeating top teams, including Sundowns and MC Alger, will prove they are title contenders.
- Trust Young Players – Rising stars like Relebohile Mofokeng can bring energy and unpredictability.
- Follow the Coach’s Tactics – Sticking to a well-planned system can make Pirates more structured and harder to break down.
- Mental Toughness – The players must believe they can beat Sundowns and succeed in the CAF Champions League.
- Avoid Injuries – A fully fit squad gives them the best chance of winning multiple trophies.
- Take Advantage of Games in Hand – Pirates have played fewer matches than Sundowns in the PSL, and winning those games can reduce the gap.
Overcoming Sundowns’ Dominance
While Pirates are behind in the PSL title race, they have four games in hand over Sundowns, meaning they can still close the gap. However, to truly challenge for the title, they must take advantage of every opportunity and avoid dropping points against lower-ranked teams.
Mahlangu believes Pirates are their own biggest obstacle:
“The only thing that can stop this team from winning the league title is the team itself.”
Upcoming Fixtures
Pirates will travel to Algeria for a crucial CAF Champions League match against MC Alger on April 1 before resuming their PSL campaign against Polokwane City on April 6. These matches will test their ability to remain competitive across multiple competitions.
If Pirates can stay consistent, be tactically disciplined, and take their chances, they have a strong chance of dethroning Sundowns and making a serious impact in the CAF Champions League.
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