With Orlando Pirates back in the title race conversation, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye has revealed what could be their downfall could also make them rise.
Pirates had a shaky start to their season, which has been revived by the form of new signing Kamogelo Sebelebele, whose three goals across two competitions, including in the MTN8, in two semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns, eventually earned The Buccaneers a spot in the final, albeit through penalties.
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The Soweto giants' slow start was attributed to new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou experimenting, particularly seemingly unsettling Relebohile Mofokeng, by giving his position to new signing Oswin Appollis.
Mofokeng has not been the same compared to the last two seasons, as he yet to score or contribute an assist, something which Khanye believes could define Pirates' season.
"Can Pirates win the league? At Pirates you need certain players to perform, they rely on individual brilliance, you need Rele to do something special," Khanye said on his YouTube Channel.
"Once you pocket Rele or (Sipho) Mbule, I don't think Pirates can rise. Certain players, three, four (if they don't show up), I don't think Pirates can rise. It's more of an individual team.
"We can't question it, it comes from way back with the likes of (the late) Gift Leremi, 'Cheese' (Lebohang Mokoena), Tso (Benedict Vilakazi), 'Dukuduku' (Joseph Makhanya). Pirates need certain players for them to win. Challenging the league, they have potential," Khanye added.
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Appollis is also yet to score for Ezimnyama in the league, with only two assist in the Betway Premiership so far.
Pirates needed individual brilliance from Sebelebele to narrowly defeat Stellenbosch 1-0 in a goal that was named Betway Premiership Goal of the Month.
While another moment of brilliance from Lebone Seema, a screamer from the edge of the box, handed the Soweto giants a 1-0 win over Magesi.
