Orlando Pirates concluded last season on a high note, securing two trophies, in the MTN8 and the Nedbank Cup, and earning a spot in the CAF Champions League after finishing second in the DStv Premiership to Mamelodi Sundowns.
As the off-season unfolds, the team is not only preparing for a European tour and training camp in Spain and Germany but is also planning new signings to enhance the squad. In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, former midfielder and Northern Cape-based youth talent developer James Mothibi expressed optimism about the Buccaneers' prospects for the upcoming season. Mothibi highlighted the importance of good preparation and continuity in the team's strategy.
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"Obviously Pirates will be better next season. It will actually be a better season for Pirates. If you look at the two seasons they have been improving and with their pre-season camp and training in Europe they can only improve further. And one good thing that the team has shown is that they are keeping almost all their regular players they had for next season and that shows continuity which is very good for any team," Mothibi told the Siya crew.
Mothibi praised the club's approach in maintaining a core group of players, which fosters team continuity, a crucial factor for success.
"They are also planning to bring in new players who will increase the competition and quality in the team. They have shown in the past two seasons that they can bring in quality if you look at players like Patrick Maswanganyi, Thalente Mbatha, Thabiso Lebitso and even from the development like Rele Mofokeng. So, with new players who will come in the team, they can only get better next season," Mothibi observed.
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Looking ahead, Mothibi believes that the Buccaneers are well-positioned to compete not only in cup competitions but also for the league title this time.
"Why I am saying they can have a much better season is because they can compete for the league as well. They have shown that they can win cups but they can also challenge for the league title. The trip to Europe and playing against big teams, that will help the team ahead of the new season. This is all good for the team and they are expected to do better when they come back and compete locally," Mothibi concluded.
With a strategic approach to player development, continuity, and the added experience from international exposure, Orlando Pirates are setting the stage for what could be a significantly improved season. The combination of maintaining a strong core team while integrating new talent could see them challenge for the league title and making a substantial impact in both domestic and continental tournaments.
