It has been six years since Orlando Pirates players last walked up to the podium to collect a winner's medal, with their last triumph during the 2013/14 season. But how does the title-winning Bucs' team compare to the current squad in millions?
Over the last six years, Pirates have undergone a period of trial and error, as they chopped, changed and experimented with both coaches and players, albeit to no avail as their search for silverware continues.
But, in Josef Zinnbauer, Pirates seemed to have found their solution as the coach is one match away from ending the Soweto giants' trophy drought, having secured his passage to the MTN8 cup final.
The last trophy won by Pirates was the Nedbank Cup, which came under the tutelage of Vladimir Vermezovic.
According to data presented by Transfermarkt, Pirates' 2013/14 squad had a total value of €10,23M (±R189 million).
Kermit Erasmus, Daine Klate and Andile Jali, were among the most expensive players for the Buccaneers at the time.
In Pirates current team, with the notable reinforcements made at the start of the campaign, Transfemarkt.com values Pirates' 2020/21 squad at €12.58M (±R232M) which is ±R43M more than their 2013/14 counterparts.
Amongst Pirates most expensive players this season is captain Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto and former Player of the Season, Thembinkosi Lorch.
There is no doubt that Pirates' reinforcements is a signal of intent from the club that they are out to end their trophy drought and catch up to the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, who have largely dominated both domestic and continental competitions in recent times.
It remains to be seen whether Bucs' star-studded squad will be able to go all the way against Bloemfontein Celtic this Saturday.
