Orlando Pirates title race: Why the Sea Robbers must not panic as Mamelodi Sundowns take top spot

The time of the season when the real contenders are separated from the pretenders has arrived in the Betway Premiership, and the spotlight will mostly shine on Orlando Pirates for the next five months. That is why they must not panic and instead hold their nerve.

The Sea Robbers are second in the league with 28 points, one behind serial, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who leapfrogged them to the top spot during the league restart this past Monday night.

Sundowns’ route to the summit of the log may have come against the league’s new boys, Orbit College, but it was still a worrying sight for their closest rivals this season, Pirates.

The Brazilians were without several regulars on the day, with only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams making the starting XI from the contingent of eight players who were away with Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Still, the makeshift side looked dangerous, with youngster Thato Sibiya walking away with the Player of the Match award on debut, while new signing Brayan Leon also scored on his debut.

Given the depth at Sundowns’ disposal, and their clear intention to return to their best after losing out on all domestic honours — the league title and two trophies (MTN8 and Carling Knockout) — to Pirates in the first half of the season, this is not the time for the Sea Robbers to press the panic button.

Granted, the league matches will come thick and fast in the next few months, with boys being separated from men as all 16 teams chase their respective targets, but Pirates still have their fate in their own hands.

They have two games in hand compared to Sundowns in the league and a lighter schedule after being knocked out of the CAF Champions League group-stage qualifiers.

Pirates’ players may not have the same experience of winning the league as the Brazilians, who have claimed seven titles in a row, compared to Pirates’ 14-year drought, but they have a squad that appears hungry to turn their fortunes of the past into a purple patch, given the first half of the season's impressive exploits.

The Bucs showed real character last year. When coach Abdeslam Ouaddou lost his first two games, critics quickly amplified suggestions that he was out of his depth at a club of Pirates’ stature and should be sacked immediately.

However, the players took it in their stride, turning the team’s fortunes around and easing the pressure on Ouaddou by wearing their hearts on their sleeves.

They went on to claim a record-extending fourth successive MTN8 title and ended their drought in the Carling Knockout.

Granted, they crashed out of continental football, but they left everything on the pitch against St Éloi Lupopo, overturning a 3–0 first-leg deficit away from home to win 3–0 at Orlando Stadium, only to lose 5–4 on penalties.

The team’s structure and philosophy were evident on that day. Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine kept yet another crucial clean sheet — something he has specialised in this season — while the team, even without a proven goal scorer, continued to chip in with important goals.

Pirates' character will be tested in the final stretch of the campaign, especially following the departure of defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi. However, Ouaddou is expected to fill the gap with either the returning Olisa Ndah or new signing Mpho Chabatsane.

The team has also strengthened its striking department with the arrival of Andre de Jong from Stellenbosch, while out-of-favour striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has gone the other way on loan until the end of the season.

De Jong may not score many goals, but he is expected to create space and increase the team’s scoring opportunities, allowing his teammates to flourish.

Pirates must hit top gear from the outset to show Sundowns that they intend to compete for the title until the final game of the season, starting with their opening fixture of the New Year away to Sekhukhune United in Polokwane on Saturday.

Ultimately, the final stretch will demand more from Pirates than simply reminiscing about last season’s success. They must set new targets, including knocking Sundowns off their perch, and pursue them with every passing game.