Orlando Pirates seemed to be on track to win the 2024/25 Betway Premiership.
After seven league matches, the Sea Robbers accumulated 21 points. Their confidence was high after securing the MTN8 trophy for the third consecutive season, making them a formidable team this season. However, an unexpected 1-0 loss to Stellenbosch raised some concerns, but another defeat to Cape Town City a month later created panic among Pirates supporters.
At that time, rivals Mamelodi Sundowns began to extend their lead at the top of the table. By March, after 16 league matches, Orlando Pirates found themselves nearly 20 points behind the Brazilians.
While Sundowns won 14 of their last 15 matches, the Buccaneers suffered four losses in their last nine league games, ultimately surrendering the league title to the Tshwane giants.
So, where did it go wrong for Orlando Pirates?
One significant factor was the injury to Thabiso Sesane, which occurred at a critical point in the season. The young defender suffered a ruptured tendon during a match against Sekhukhune and missed the team’s 4-1 defeat to Sundowns, a game where many felt his presence was sorely missed. Another major issue was the lack of signings in January, particularly in defense.
A player like Fawaaz Basadien could have invigorated the Orlando Pirates’ backline, and an attacking creative midfielder like Feisal Salum might have offered a different dynamic to the team. With the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions League still to play for, expect the Bucs defence to be tested and stretched to the limit.
Can the Buccaneers at least win one more trophy this season?
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Have Orlando Pirates lost the league?
Mamelodi Sundowns are on top of the league with 18 points ahead. Is it game over for Orlando Pirates’ Betway Premiership title dream?
Mamelodi Sundowns star Rivaldo Coetzee has said the things Orlando Pirates fans do not wish to hear.
GAME OVER FOR ORLANDO PIRATES?
“I think this is where you win the league when games are back-to-back because teams are trying to catch up,” Coetzee said, as quoted by the Citizen. “Mentally, you’re already saying look at the gap. Okay, you have games in hand but they’re not points. Games in hand don’t count so the gap is the same even though you played four or five games less than the top team.
“In order to catch up, you must pray that these guys lose and we have to win all our games and you’re not going to win all of them. You’re going to stumble when we stumble so it’s difficult to play catchup. You see the reaction on the bench, some players drop their heads because it’s difficult.”
SEA ROBBERS IN GQEBERHA
Orlando Pirates have a response to deliver after going down 2-0 against Gallants in Bloemfontein last weekend.
According to the Premier Soccer League, Chippa United will host the Sea Robbers at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Wednesday night at 19:30. Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns are on top of the league with 18 points ahead.
IS THE LEAGUE RACE OVER?
