Orlando Pirates are sending a clear message to their domestic and continental rivals, they have assembled a squad built for endurance, domination, and silverware.
With just weeks to go before the start of the new campaign, the Buccaneers are boasting one of the most complete squads in South African football, a group that blends experience, youth, and tactical versatility across every department.
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The recent addition of Katlego Sebelebele from TS Galaxy is the latest in a long line of calculated squad-building moves. The 22-year-old is a utility player capable of operating on both wings and covering at full-back when required. But rather than being a marquee signing, Sebelebele is simply another layer added to what is quickly becoming a frighteningly deep group.
Up front, Orlando Pirates have assembled a powerful striking unit that offers a mix of physical presence, pace, and clinical finishing. Tshegofatso Mabasa, last season's top goal scorer has managed to cement his place as the club’s leading marksman. He is joined by the towering Evidence Makgopa, who continues to develop as a target man with international pedigree. Youngster Boitumelo Radiopane brings energy and sharp movement, while new signing Yanele Mbuthuma offers raw pace and an eye for goal.
In the wide attacking positions alone, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou can call on the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Tshepang Moremi and now Sebelebele. Any one of those names could be a starter at another topflight club, yet Pirates have them competing for limited minutes. That level of internal competition is precisely what the new technical team will hope fuels consistency and sharpness across the season.
Midfield is no different. Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Kabelo Dlamini and Goodman Mosele make up a core that offers balance, creativity, and bite. With options to play two or three in midfield depending on the opposition, Ouaddou has room to adapt his tactics without compromising quality.
Defensively, the backline has retained its backbone in Tapelo Xoki and Nkosinathi Sibisi, but has also been reinforced with emerging talents like Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane, the latter fresh from a lengthy injury. There is also cover in both full-back positions, with players able to shift between defensive and midfield roles seamlessly.
Goalkeeping, an often overlooked position in depth discussions, is another area where Pirates are well stocked. Sipho Chaine remains the clear number one, but the club have the experienced Melusi Buthelezi providing strong competition behind him.
It is this all-round depth that gives Pirates an edge heading into what is expected to be a long and demanding season. Last year, the Soweto giants played over 50 matches across the Betway Premiership, MTN8, Nedbank Cup and CAF competitions.
The wear and tear showed at times, particularly during crunch fixtures when fatigue and injuries took a toll. This time around, they look better prepared for the physical and mental grind.
Beyond just depth, what makes this group so formidable is the tactical flexibility they offer. Many of the players are comfortable in multiple roles, wingers who can play as wingbacks, midfielders who can drop into defence, and defenders who can step into midfield.
That adaptability is key to the playing philosophy of new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, who favours systems that evolve throughout matches.
The Moroccan has made no secret of his commitment to positional discipline, fast transitions, and structured pressing. He now has a squad capable of switching between 4-3-3, 3-4-3, or even 4-2-2-2 without needing wholesale substitutions. It is the kind of depth that not only allows for rotation but also tactical surprise.
If Pirates can keep their squad fit and motivated, and if Ouaddou can effectively manage the personalities and ambitions in the group, the club will be well placed to challenge across all competitions.
With CAF Champions League football returning, there will be a need for robust squad management and sharp tactical planning. For once, Pirates do not just have a strong starting eleven, they have two, maybe even three options in most positions.
Sebelebele’s arrival may not have stolen headlines on its own, but it represents something greater. It is another brick in what is looking like a powerful structure being built in Mayfair. Orlando Pirates are not only building for now, they are building for everything. Domestic titles, continental glory, and most importantly, sustained excellence.
Whether this group can deliver where it matters most, the league title, remains to be seen. But if squad depth is the foundation for success, then the Buccaneers have already taken a massive step in the right direction.
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