Disappointed Orlando Pirates players after they lost against Mamelodi Sundowns during the Betway Premiership league at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium. Picture: Itumeleng English, Independent Newspapers
Smiso Msomi
The pressure is mounting on Soweto giants Orlando Pirates as they navigate a challenging 2024/25 season.
With the Betway Premiership seemingly out of reach after their showdown with Mamelodi Sundowns over the weekend, suggestions around their priorities are beginning to circle with their participation in the Nedbank Cup and CAF Champions Leagues.
The Sea Robbers will take on Baroka in the round of 16 of the Ke Yona tournament on Saturday and they are also in the knockout stages of the continental competition.
It raises the question: should they place their full faith in the Nedbank Cup and the CAF Champions League, both of which present a viable chance for silverware?
The Buccaneers currently find themselves trailing Sundowns in the league table, unable to maintain the consistency required to close the gap on their rivals. The situation necessitates a critical evaluation of their priorities as the season progresses.
Granted, the league campaign is only at the halfway point but Sundowns’ win at the weekend saw them collect the record points total after 15 games of the season and are expecting to get better under coach Miguel Cardoso meaning the prospect of a league title appears dim for Pirates.
Therefore, turning attention to knockout competitions might be their best shot at salvaging what has been a tumultuous campaign.
The Nedbank Cup, not only offers a guaranteed pathway to silverware but also an automatic spot in next year’s CAF competitions and as back-to-back winners, Pirates know all about the nostalgia of claiming the trophy.
Similarly, a deep run in the CAF Champions League would further entrench the club’s reputation on the continent and a historical second champions league title for a South African club.
Success in either competition could reignite the passion among fans and provide the players with much-needed momentum heading into future seasons under head coach Jose Riveiro.
Winning the Nedbank Cup could help bolster squad morale and stability, while success in the CAF Champions League can enhance their standing in African football and attract potential signings.
Riveiro has not hidden his desire to guide the club to a first title in 13 years and is not expected to ease the fight for league honours.
It is also important to mention that the pressures of knockout football can be all-consuming, and any underestimation of the league could have ramifications but Pirates' five trophies in the last three years suggest they’re able to handle that.
Squad rotation and managing player fatigue become paramount as the team seeks to balance its efforts across different competitions.
As the dust settles on the first half of the season, the Pirates’ management and technical team must weigh their options wisely.
It is no longer a mere choice; it's a strategic pivot that could define the club’s trajectory in the years to come. Should they go all out for cup glory and continental recognition at the expense of league ambitions?
It is a gamble, but one that may just pay dividends if approached strategically.
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