After another season of near misses and silver medals, Orlando Pirates enter the new campaign with renewed hope and a sense of unfinished business.
While cup success has kept the fans cheering, the league title – the one that truly matters – has remained just out of reach. With a new coach at the helm and fresh faces in the squad, the Sea Robbers faithful have plenty to be excited about, and even more to wish for.
With the new season on the horizon, IOL Sport takes a look at five things Orlando Pirates supporters will be hoping for.
Sipho Mbule to prove his critics wrong
A lot has been made about the midfielder’s past struggles at former club Mamelodi Sundowns and Sekhukhune United, where he spent a brief period on loan.
What football fans everywhere agree on is that Mbule is a fantastic talent. However, his disciplinary issues are a worry. Pirates fans, and everyone else in the country, will be rooting for Mbule to stay on course.
Pirates have a very good player on their hands. If he behaves, they could mean business in the league.
New coach to pick up where Jose Riveiro left
The appointment of Abdeslam Ouaddou as the club’s new coach came out of left field.
When Jose Riveiro left, the club was heavily linked with Rulani Mokwena, who has experience in winning trophies in South African football.
All eyes will now be on Ouaddou to see if he can deliver. If he can pick up where Riveiro left off, Pirates fans will be happy.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi to get even better
Remember the name ‘Mbekezeli Mbokazi’. Football fans everywhere are excited about him.
At just 19 years old, Mbokazi has done enough to impress. He has all the hallmarks of a top defender. He has an understanding of his position that’s second to none and also excels in aerial duels and physical confrontations.
He’s destined for the top, and fans will be hoping to see him make his mark in the PSL with a number of eye-catching performances in defence.
To see the club fill the gap left by Mohau Nkota and possibly Rele Mofokeng
Mohau Nkota has left the club, and according to reports, there continues to be interest from Europe for Relebohile Mofokeng.
If he heads towards the exit as well, the club will have lost two of their best wide players.
They’ve already brought in Bafana star Oswin Appollis. Fans will now want to see him terrorise defenders much like Nkota and Mofokeng did last season.
To finally win the league
The one thing Pirates fans want more than anything is for the club to win the league.
Under Riveiro, they did well in cup competitions as they won three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups in three years. However, in the league, they just couldn’t get over the finish line ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates fans would love nothing more than seeing Ouaddou’s men lifting the Betway Premiership trophy at the end of the campaign.
IOL Sport
