Orlando Pirates may have ended their 14-year league title drought last season and secured a historic treble under head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, but their triumph owed as much to a late-season stumble by Mamelodi Sundowns as it did to their own quality. With pre-season approaching, the Buccaneers must address several glaring weaknesses if they are to defend the Betway Premiership crown and make a serious push for CAF Champions League glory. The most pressing issue is the lack of a reliable goalscorer. While the team created chances consistently, the recognised forwards—Evidence Makgopa, Boitumelo Radiopane, Yanela Mbuthuma and Andre de Jong—collectively managed fewer than ten league goals last season. Too often, contributions came from midfielders and wingers instead. Signing a proven striker, someone of Brayan León’s calibre, would provide the cutting edge needed to turn dominance into silverware.
Another area requiring urgent attention is left-back. Veteran Deon Hotto remains dependable but will turn 37 next year, and Nkosikhona Ndaba has yet to prove he can be a consistent first-choice option, especially in the demanding CAF Champions League environment. Recruiting a younger, high-quality left-back would offer defensive stability and attacking support for seasons to come. Additionally, with speculation swirling around Relebohile Mofokeng’s future, Pirates may soon lose one of their most influential attacking players. Investing in a creative midfielder who can operate behind the strikers, create chances, and contribute goals—while also