Orlando Pirates 2024-25 Season Preview - Title Challenge to Follow Four Domestic Cups

Bucs made some moves in the transfer market but they tried not to destabilise their squad. They did not lose a single important player in the window, despite interest from clubs abroad in top striker Tshegofatso Mabasa, amongst others.

• Pirates’ Transfer Business
• Key Players for Orlando Pirates
• Analysis of Orlando Pirates Tactics
• Realistic Expectations for the 2024-25 Season
• Predicted Orlando Pirates Finish

Thalente Mbatha saw his loan move from SuperSport United made into a permanent deal and skilful winger Gilberto arrived from Petro de Luanda. The other major addition was that of Stellenbosch FC captain Deano Van Rooyen to solve the right back problem. 

Pirates have plenty of depth but there are still a handful of key players in their squad. Tshegofatso Mabasa is the top striker and none of his competition have proven themselves to be prolific goalscorers. 

In defence, Nigerian international Olisa Ndah is a classy performer and his absence is always felt. He has donned the captain’s armband this season and has previously had Italian Serie A clubs chasing his signature. 

Patrick Maswanganyi has also stepped up as a crucial player in the number ten role. His creativity would be missed should he go down with an injury. 

Coach Jose Riveiro almost always uses a 4-2-3-1 shape with speedy wingers either side of Maswanganyi. 

The team likes to dominate possession but they can also be deadly on transitions with the pace of wide players like Monnapule Saleng, teenager Relebohile Mofokeng and Namibian veteran Deon Hotto.

Having won two domestic cups in each of his two seasons at the helm, Jose Riveiro is now expected to mount a challenge for the Betway Premiership title. 

Pirates are already in the MTN8 cup final and it would be deemed a failure of a season is they don’t win more silverware. 

Pirates are unlikely to finish above Sundowns but they can keep pace with them and make things interesting. 

Our prediction is for the Sea Robbers to finish second in the PSL table once again.