As the countdown to the 2025/26 season reaches its final days, excitement is bubbling among Orlando Pirates fans ahead of this weekend’s MTN8 quarter-final clash against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium.
After a long off-season break, the Buccaneers are back in action, and their recent pre-season tour of Spain has drawn attention across the local football landscape, including from a familiar face.
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Former Pirates coach Roger De Sa has shared his thoughts on the club’s European preparations, highlighting the strategic value of their trip and drawing comparisons with league rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
Speaking exclusively to the Siya crew, De Sa praised Pirates’ professional approach to pre-season:
“I know they just toured Spain, and I think it’s pretty good,” he said. “It’s nice to see clubs taking their pre-season seriously, and I think they might have the upper hand on Sundowns. They’ve had a very long season and a very short break, so maybe this kind of preparation is exactly what’s needed – and I think they’ll benefit from it.”
Pirates spent some time in Spain facing high-level opposition, focusing on tactical sharpening and squad bonding. For De Sa, the benefits go beyond fitness.
“It’s always good to get away, refocus the players, and test yourself against strong opponents,” he added.
“They’ve done that, and from what I’ve seen, they’ve done it well.”
When it comes to squad building, the former Bucs tactician believes the Soweto giants have made more deliberate moves than their Tshwane rivals.
“I think they’ve strengthened – and a bit more strategically than Sundowns. Sundowns tend to buy a lot of players, sometimes even just to weaken opposition, not necessarily to use them. Pirates, on the other hand, are building a team, building a squad, and maintaining a strong culture at the club, which I think they’ve done very well.”
That culture, combined with targeted acquisitions, has produced what De Sa believes is a squad capable of challenging on multiple fronts. However, he did note one area for potential improvement.
“I still feel they need a bit more size at the back, especially in the centre-back positions – that’s crucial if you want to compete in Africa. But overall, they’ve got exciting players and a very good team,” concluded De Sa.
With their MTN8 title defence beginning this weekend, Pirates will be looking to make a strong early statement.
Ezimnyama will be expected to not only beat Polokwane City at home but also set the tone for the season ahead.
Supporters, who’ve been starved of live football since May, are expected to fill Orlando Stadium in anticipation of what promises to be a thrilling curtain-raiser.
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Having lifted the MTN8 title last year and finishing strongly in the Betway Premiership, the Buccaneers now find themselves in a position to challenge for even more silverware – and if De Sa’s assessment is anything to go by, they are heading into the new season with both momentum and purpose.
In addition to speaking to the Siya crew, Roger de Sa has also sat down with Soccer Laduma newspaper for an in-depth interview where he shares more insight into his views on the PSL, his experience with Pirates, and details on the next chapter of his coaching career. Be sure to pick up this week’s edition of Soccer Laduma to read the full feature on the experienced tactician.
Photo by Orlando Pirates
