Following a rough couple of results, the Orlando Pirates camp have received perhaps a welcomed ‘mini-break’ amid real pressure.
The Buccaneers have now gone three games without a victory, having managed two draws against Al Ahly and Stade D’Abidjan in the CAF Champions League.
Those two draws came after losing their first Premiership encounter this season against Stellenbosch FC.
Prior to these anxiety-filled results, Pirates had romped to 11 wins in their first 12 matches in all competitions, their Carling Knockout Cup loss to Magesi FC the only outlier.
They were questions posed to the Pirates squad depth at the start of the season, with their ambitions set on reclaiming the domestic league title and possibly the Champions League.
The club’s desire to match up to Mamelodi Sundowns even saw the Brazilians’ former coach Manqoba Mngqithi question Pirates’ consistency and resolve.
The Sea Robbers will have Sipho Chaine, Monnapule Saleng, Relebohile Mofokeng, Patrick Maswanganyi and Tshegofatso Mabasa all playing in the Carling Cup Exhibition tomorrow, a move away from the serious demands of their competitive campaign.
While head coach Jose Riveiro leads the All Star team, the rest of his Pirates squad will have a chance to put their legs up and recover before their next match next Tuesday against Marumo Gallants at Orlando Stadium (3pm kick-off).
And after three winless games and a seemingly tough schedule ahead in the upcoming weeks, perhaps this ‘mini-break’ is exactly what the doctor would’ve ordered.
Under the guidance of Riveiro, Pirates have become a high-tempo juggernaut of attacking football, heavily reliant on the confidence of individuals.
While the physical health of these players is of importance, it could be the mental pressure that could characterise the club’s season.
The next six games could define Pirates’ 2024/2025 season and their wish-list.
The Soweto giants will have to navigate six important fixtures in four weeks, with their different demands.
With Sundowns having taken control of the Premiership with a three-point lead, having played a game more, the demand is for Pirates to keep up with clashes against Marumo Gallants and Magesi FC before the end of the year.
☠️ ⏪️ 𝗬𝗔𝗗𝗛𝗖𝗧𝗔𝗠 ⏪️
— Orlando Pirates (@orlandopirates) December 15, 2024
🎤 Evidence Makgopa
🎤 Selaelo Rasebotja
🆚 Stade d' Abidjan
🏟 Félix Houphouët-Boigny
🗓️ 14 Dec 2024
⚫️⚪️🔴⭐️#OrlandoPirates#OnceAlways pic.twitter.com/tD4ar8EGSI
Having watched the Brazilians build sizeable leads in the early stages of the season, Pirates will want to stay in touch, with CAF football also needing close attention.
The Buccaneers head into the new year on top of their Champions League group, having played a game more than Al Ahly and CR Belouizdad.
They will look to retain that position by toppling Stade D’Abidjan at the Orlando Stadium on January 3.
Their next meetings against Cape Town City (January 8) and two continental clashes against Belouizdad (January 10) and the Al Ahly (January 17) might decide Pirates’ fate this season.