Orlando Pirates enter the crucial second round of the season without any January signings, which should be a concern after they got major mid-season boosts in the last two campaigns.
The Buccaneers have been arguably the most in-form team in the second round of the last two seasons, as they had slow starts but ended strongly at the dawn of the new year, both in 2023 and 2024 under Jose Riveiro.
The Ghosts' top form in both years saw them finish second in the Betway Premiership standings and therefore qualified for the CAF Champions League and also won the Nedbank Cup in both years.
READ: WRAP: All Confirmed January Signings In The PSL
The Buccaneers hitting top gear in both the second round of both campaigns was backed up by January signings, as in January 2023 the Houghton-based club acquired the services of Ndumiso Mabena as a free agent, Marou Souaibou from Cameroonian side Coton Sport and Craig Martin from Cape Town City.
Pirates also had even better recruitments in January 2024 after they signed Thalenthe Mbatha on loan from SuperSport United and Thabiso Lebitso from Chippa United.
The Buccaneers were also smart in bringing back Tshegofatso Mabasa on loan from Moroka Swallows and Mabasa scored 13 goals across the league and Nedbank Cup for Pirates in only the second round of the season.
The squad depth at Ezimnyama will be more tested than before as they are in the CAF Champions League quarter-finals, Nedbank Cup round of 16 and are challenging for the league title.
READ: PSL Confirm Nedbank Cup Last 16 Fixtures
Especially with three departures since December, that saw Sandile Mthethwa released to join AmaZulu, Katlego Otladisa sent out on loan to Sekhukhune United and Gilberto loaned to his former club Petro de Luanda.
However, Pirates have been boosted by the return from long-term injuries of Paseka Mako from late last year, Tapelo Xoki and recently Bandile Shandu.
