Orlando Pirates Season Review: Why Did They Lose Most Cups?

Orlando Pirates began the season with familiar ambitions—to compete fiercely in multiple competitions and add more trophies to their cabinet.

Over the past three seasons, Pirates have managed to win some cups, notably the MTN 8, with strong contributions from key players like Mofokeng, Saleng and Yaboa.

These players were instrumental in helping the team secure silverware and maintain a competitive edge.

This season, Pirates again managed to win the MTN 8, the only cup they could claim amidst a challenging campaign.

While this was a positive outcome, the overall feeling was one of missed opportunities, especially in knockout tournaments like the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League, where Pirates exited earlier than expected.

One of the most painful defeats came in the Nedbank Cup, where Pirates were eliminated in the round of 32 by a lower-ranked team at home—a shocking result that left fans disappointed.

Historically, Pirates have struggled to find luck in knockout cups in recent years, often reaching finals but failing to lift the trophy.

In the CAF Champions League, Pirates showed promise by progressing undefeated through the group stages, demonstrating solid tactical discipline under coach Jose Riveiro.

Their performance was impressive, signaling a team capable of competing at the highest continental level.

However, their journey ended heartbreakingly in the semifinals against Egypt’s Pyramids FC, losing 3-2 on aggregate.

The defeat was a bitter pill, especially given the high hopes surrounding their campaign.

Pyramids FC, a relatively new club founded in 2008, managed to outclass Pirates, highlighting the increasing competitiveness of African football.

Despite finishing the season with a respectable 61 points in the league, Pirates lagged behind champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who amassed 73 points.

While 61 points is generally a strong tally, it was not enough to challenge Sundowns seriously for the league title, underscoring the gap between the two clubs.

Injuries were a significant factor undermining Pirates’ progress.

Key players like Lisandro and Thabiso Sesane suffered long-term injuries, limiting their contributions during crucial phases of the season.

Lisandro, for instance, played only a handful of games before being sidelined, while Sesane’s injury came at a critical moment, disrupting the team’s rhythm.

The injury crisis extended beyond these two, affecting squad depth and forcing coach Riveiro to rely heavily on a core group of players.

This lack of rotation led to fatigue and a dip in performance levels, especially in congested fixture periods involving continental and domestic games.

Another major blow was the absence of Monnapo Saleng for extended periods.

Saleng’s creativity and goal-scoring ability are vital for Pirates, and his unavailability weakened the team’s attacking threat.

His presence often lifts the squad’s morale and effectiveness, and without him, Pirates struggled to create and convert chances consistently.

Squad rotation—or the lack thereof—also played a role in Pirates’ struggles.

The team’s bench lacked the quality required to make impactful substitutions or maintain intensity when starters were rested.

This limited tactical flexibility and made it difficult to respond to in-game challenges.

Coaching instability added to Pirates’ woes.

The departure of coach Riveiro during the season disrupted continuity and affected player confidence.

Coaching changes often bring tactical shifts and uncertainty, which can unsettle a squad already battling injuries and form issues.

Off the pitch, Pirates faced other challenges, such as managing player morale and expectations.

The pressure of competing on multiple fronts with a squad stretched thin took its toll.

The team’s inability to consistently perform at a high level reflected these underlying issues.

Despite these setbacks, Pirates showed resilience and flashes of quality football.

Their MTN 8 triumph was a testament to their potential when firing on all cylinders.

The club’s commitment to rebuilding and strengthening the squad is evident, with hopes that next season will be more successful.

Looking ahead, Pirates need to address key areas to improve their chances of winning more trophies.

Strengthening squad depth, managing player fitness better, and ensuring tactical consistency will be crucial.

Retaining key players like Saleng and minimizing injuries should be priorities.

Furthermore, stability in the coaching department will help establish a clear playing philosophy and build momentum.

Encouraging younger players to step up and providing quality options off the bench can alleviate pressure on starters and improve overall team dynamics.

In conclusion, Orlando Pirates’ season was marked by a mix of promise and frustration.

Injuries, lack of squad depth, coaching changes, and unfortunate results in knockout competitions combined to limit their success.

While the MTN 8 win offered some consolation, Pirates fell short in their quest for multiple cups.

The club’s management and technical team have valuable lessons to learn from this campaign.

With strategic planning and focused improvements, Orlando Pirates can aspire to reclaim their status as one of South Africa’s most successful and competitive football teams in the coming seasons.

Fans remain hopeful that the next season will bring better fortune and more silverware, as Pirates continue their pursuit of glory on domestic and continental stages.