Central midfield is a key area of battle in the beautiful game. Orlando Pirates have upgraded their options in a big way, are they Betway Premiership winners in the making?
Why Orlando Pirates are ready to lift the title
Van Rooyen is Mr Reliable
Deano Van Rooyen is the latest marquee arrival. The outgoing Stellies skipper was the most prolific defender in the PSL last season, completing 57 tackles. He’ll compete with Thabiso Monyane for a slot at right-back but the pair can dovetail on the right-hand side in a more defensive system when needed. It’s unspectacular signings like these that elevate teams in the background.
Midfield options aplenty
The dynamism and talent of Thalente Mbatha gives Jose Riveiro plenty of tactical flexibility. Mbatha is likely to become a cornerstone of this side with Miguel Timm and Makhehlene Makhaula vying for a role alongside him. Mbatha starred on loan from SuperSport last season, earning a permanent move. It was a no-brainer. Makhaula will likely start games initially, but there’s an obvious long-term succession plan for when his game-time needs to be managed. He is 34 after all. Selaelo Rasebotja arrives with a reputation as an all-action, versatile performer and Thuso Moleleki from Orbit College is a playmaker so they provide new blood after the exits of Fortune Makaringe and Thabang Monare.
Relebohile Mofokeng is a star
Not many teenagers have the personality and confidence to take the PSL in their stride with such ease. Mofokeng has seamlessly become a regular for one of South Africa’s biggest clubs and looks set for a huge career at the national level. His tactical flexibility and ball-carrying abilities mean he can unlock tight games in an instant and raise the level of those around him.
Ridiculous attacking and defensive depth
Strikers Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa will be licking their lips at the service they’ll get from Mofokeng and talented wild card Patrick Maswanganyi. Mabasa is the Golden Boot holder after he struck 16 league goals last term, while Makgopa is preferred ahead of Mabasa for Bafana. At the other end of the pitch, four quality options Thabiso Sesane, Olisa Ndah, Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi must compete for two central defensive spots. Some seriously good players will be eating bench, but that’s a good problem for Senor Riveiro.
Rulani is gone
Sure, Sundowns still have an array of quality players and limitless funds, but it’ll take time for them to adjust to life without Rulani Mokwena. It’s not as if he had an influence as profound as Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola or Arsene Wenger, but his side played with a distinctive style and philosophy. If they get a less-than-perfect start to the new campaign, that unfamiliar feeling might start to weight on their shoulders.
Will Pirates push Sundowns for the Betway Premiership title this season?
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Orlando Pirates finished the 2023-2024 DStv Premiership campaign in second place, earning a spot in the 2024-2025 Caf Champions League. Jose Riveiro’s team also won two major honours, beating Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup and MTN8 finals. They contest this season’s MTN8 semis against Cape Town City and start their Betway Premiership campaign against Chippa on 14 September at 15:00.
