Orlando Pirates’ hopes of winning a second CAF Champions League title could be threatened by a lack of goals, injuries to key players and continued uncertainty when defending set-pieces.
The Buccaneers begin their campaign next weekend against Mauritian side La Cure Waves in a two-legged first preliminary-round tie. They are expected to progress, but victory would only take them into the second preliminary round a stage that has caused problems for the club in recent years.
Last season, Orlando Pirates were knocked out at that point after losing to Saint Eloi Lupopo on penalties.
The South African club will therefore be keen to make a stronger start this time, although three areas remain a concern as head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou prepares his squad for the demands of continental competition.
Strikers must find their range
Orlando Pirates have not received a consistent supply of goals from their forwards this season.
Yanela Mbuthuma, who has been Ouaddou’s preferred first-choice striker, is still waiting for his first goal of the campaign. In the match against Sekhukhune United, Ouaddou selected Boitumelo Radiopane to lead the attack, and the forward responded by scoring his first goal of the season.
That effort offered some encouragement, but the Buccaneers cannot depend entirely on midfielders and wingers to provide the goals required to progress in Africa.
Away matches in the CAF Champions League can be difficult, particularly when games are closely contested and opportunities are limited. If Pirates’ strikers continue to struggle in front of goal, the team could come under significant pressure in matches decided by a single moment.
Injuries put pressure on the squad
Pirates have already suffered injuries involving important players in key areas of the team.
The absence of Sihle Nduli and Thalente Mbatha reduces the options in midfield, while Evidence Makgopa’s injury could weaken the club’s attacking resources further.
The CAF Champions League will bring additional physical and logistical demands. Long-distance travel, together with a demanding fixture schedule, could test the depth available to Ouaddou as the campaign develops.
Any further injuries would increase that pressure. The manager could then be required to use inexperienced players or make regular changes to his starting XI, potentially affecting the team’s balance and consistency.
Set-piece defending remains a concern
Another vulnerability for Orlando Pirates has been their defending from corners and other dead-ball situations.
Set-pieces can have a major influence in African club competitions, especially in matches where there are few clear chances from open play. A failure to maintain organisation or concentration in those moments could allow opponents to score goals that might otherwise have been avoided.
The risk is even greater in a two-legged tie. A lapse from a corner or free-kick may prove decisive across the two matches and could ultimately send Pirates out of the competition.
The importance of each game will increase as the CAF Champions League progresses. For Pirates to avoid another early exit, they will need to improve their attacking output, manage their injury problems and become more reliable when defending set-pieces.
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