Orlando Pirates experienced a fruitful weekend with a resounding 4-2 victory over Free State Stars at Goble Park. They are one step closer to winning the Nedbank Cup, which means they are one step closer to gaining automatic qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup… Is this a blessing or a curse?

Some supporters will tell you that Pirates need to focus on the league next season, as their focus on the African safari this year saw them going close to the relegation zone at one point.

However, others say there is no excuse that flies with Pirates – it is a team designed to win, nothing more and nothing less.

"Winning the Nedbank Cup is important to us supporters, winning the league is also very important," Pirates superfan Dejan Miladinovic said.

"I think management must just beef up the squad and then we must try win whatever is on offer, Nedbank Cup and the CAF.

"And they have already started beefing up the squad, the good players are coming in."

The latest instalment of this has been the purchase of Mahlatse Makudubela, who was on loan at Golden Arrows from Platinum Stars this season. Whether the new signings will be enough or not, only time will tell.

It is an interesting position Pirates find themselves in as they desperately need to win the Nedbank Cup so that they do not have a barren season; yet, they also need to reassert their dominance in the league, which will be very difficult to achieve while on the African safari.

Will this be enough? Can Pirates go out and do the impossible by successfully competing in the league and CAF competitions, or will they make the same mistakes two years running?