Orlando Pirates sailing close to glory but familiar flaws threaten title dream

Orlando Pirates have emerged as genuine contenders in the Betway Premiership this season, injecting rare suspense into a title race long dominated by Mamelodi Sundowns.

Level on points with the defending champions and separated only by goals scored, Pirates head into the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs with belief that the championship conversation finally includes them.

For supporters accustomed to Sundowns pulling away early, Pirates’ sustained competitiveness has restored intrigue to the league campaign. Yet beneath the encouraging league position lies a season shaped equally by progress and lingering vulnerabilities.

Defensive steel and collective attacking strength

One of Pirates’ strongest pillars has been defensive organisation. Conceding just seven goals across 17 league fixtures while keeping 12 clean sheets reflects a structure built on collective responsibility rather than individual brilliance.

Modern defending begins from the attacking line, and Pirates’ pressing discipline has ensured protection throughout the team.

Equally encouraging has been the spread of goals across the squad. Ten different players have found the net, highlighting tactical balance and reducing dependence on a single scorer. Playmaker Patrick Maswanganyi leads the scoring charts with five goals, while creativity has been shared among wide and attacking players.

Contributions from Dean Hotto, Evidence Makgopa, Oswin Appollis and rising star Relebohile Mofokeng underline a system where attacking output comes from multiple sources.

Discipline has also quietly strengthened their title credentials. Pirates remain among the league’s cleanest sides, avoiding red cards entirely while suspensions have been minimal. Such control often separates contenders from challengers during decisive stages of a season.

Game management and youthful energy

Perhaps the clearest indicator of growth has been Pirates’ ability to protect winning positions. After scoring first in 13 matches, they have converted 12 into victories, demonstrating composure and tactical maturity once ahead. Late goals and balanced scoring across both halves further show a team capable of sustaining intensity throughout matches.

Youth has played a crucial role in maintaining that energy. An average starting age of around 25 in key fixtures suggests a squad physically equipped to endure congested schedules, an advantage that could prove decisive during the demanding closing months of the campaign.

Early setbacks and worrying trends

Despite the positives, Pirates’ title pursuit carries warning signs. A slow start to the season, including defeats to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants, continues to haunt their points tally. More concerning is their inability to recover from losing positions, managing just a single point after falling behind all season.

Recent form has added further pressure. Dropped points early in 2026 contrast sharply with Sundowns’ perfect run, raising concerns about momentum at a critical stage of the race.

Another lingering issue remains the absence of a prolific striker capable of delivering 15 or more league goals. Makgopa and Yanela Mbuthuma have contributed, but neither possesses a historical scoring record suggesting consistent high-volume returns.

As the season approaches its decisive phase, Pirates’ ambitions may ultimately depend on whether collective strength can compensate for the lack of a ruthless finisher.

Their progress signals a club moving closer to reclaiming domestic supremacy, but fine margins could still determine whether this promising campaign ends in triumph or frustration.