Orlando Pirates return to Betway Premiership action on Wednesday night, where they will host Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium in search of their first league points of the campaign.
It’s been a busy and testing start to the season for the Buccaneers, who are set to take to the field for the fifth time in just over three weeks.
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While their cup form has offered moments of encouragement, their league campaign is yet to gather momentum following back-to-back defeats in their opening two fixtures.
Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou came under criticism earlier in the season for rushing new signings straight into the starting line-up as many felt the decision unsettled the rhythm of the team and exposed players who were still finding their feet at the club.
However, Saturday’s MTN8 semi-final first leg against Mamelodi Sundowns signalled a shift in approach, as the French-Moroccan tactician opted to recall several familiar names from last season’s squad. The decision appeared to pay off, with Pirates producing one of their more organised performances of the campaign to hold the defending champions to a 1-1 draw.
The likes of Thalente Mbatha, Deano van Rooyen, and Evidence Makgopa played influential roles in stabilising the side, while others who had featured prominently last term also looked more settled in their return to the fold.
Fans and pundits alike acknowledged the noticeable improvement, with many suggesting that Ouaddou may have found the balance he has been searching for since the start of the season.
Pirates now face a Stellenbosch outfit that has also had a stuttering start in the league. Both clubs find themselves in the bottom half of the table – an unusual sight for sides that are accustomed to pushing for the top three.
The Soweto giants come into this clash desperate to lift themselves off 15th place after losses to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants in their first two league outings.
Cup football has provided some relief, with wins over Polokwane City and a spirited comeback against Sundowns, but the time has come for Ouaddou’s charges to translate that form into league points.
Given the encouraging signs from the weekend, it seems likely that Ouaddou will again lean on the players who carried the load last season.
Their understanding of the club’s demands and their familiarity with one another’s strengths could prove crucial against a Stellenbosch side known for its work ethic and structure.
While the coach has stressed the importance of giving new arrivals time to settle, it appears that the more experienced campaigners from the previous campaign will be trusted to provide the foundation on which Pirates hope to build their turnaround.
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Wednesday’s encounter offers the Buccaneers a chance to get off the mark and begin climbing towards the top half of the standings, where they are more accustomed to residing. With the quality available in the squad and the signs of improvement shown against Sundowns, there is growing belief that the corner may be turning.
The big question is whether Ouaddou will maintain the formula that steadied the ship over the weekend, and if those recalled stars can once again rise to the occasion under the Orlando Stadium lights.
Click through the gallery to see the possible Pirates line-up for the eagerly awaited clash.
