Orlando Pirates have been active in the current Transfer Window revamping their squad in an attempt to turn the team into Premier Soccer League (PSL) title contenders.
The club has already secured three signings - Musa Nyatama, Thamsanqa Sangweni and Wayne Sandilands, while Christian Obiozor has returned home after reportedly failing medical tests.
With 15 days left in the Transfer Window, the Buccaneers are expected to bring in new players and the Houghton-based club has been linked with several players by various local media.
Pirates, who are now under the guidance of Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic, will need to be smart and look for quality over quantity as they look to build a squad capable of winning the 2017/18 PSL title.
Here are the key areas that need improving in the next two weeks:
QUALITY CENTRE BACK
The arrival of Sangweni and Nyatama has helped solidify the Pirates central midfield and create healthy competition in the team with Issa Sarr expected to the stay with the club.
Sandilands, who kept arguably the best goalkeeper in Africa, Denis Onyango, on his toes at Mamelodi Sundowns, is an excellent addition to the Pirates squad and the club now has a reliable shot-stopper.
However, Bucs still need leadership and power in their defensive set-up especially in central defence. They need a center back, who will be able to transform their defence.
A team with a poor defence rarely wins a league title and defending was a real issue for Pirates last season as they conceded 40 goals in 30 league games, and they were lingering above the relegation zone at times.
The Buccaneers need to sign a quality defender, who is commanding, dominant, experienced and reliable. The arrival of such a player would put the team's defensive problems to bed and improve the team.
Potential signings: Thulani Hlatshwayo (Bidvest Wits), Mario Booysen (Mamelodi Sundowns), Rivaldo Coetzee (Ajax Cape Town).
RELIABLE STRIKER
Next Match
BackpagepixObiozor was expected to help improve Pirates' fortunes following their a disastrous season which was characterised with poor defence and attack.
However, the Nigerian hit-man's proposed transfer to the Soweto giants seems to have collapsed and the Buccaneers are back to square one, and their hunt for a reliable striker continues.
Pirates looked like genuine league title contenders in the first two months of last season with Tendai Ndoro scoring goals fun. However, the striker's scoring form dipped and the team struggled, and ended scoring 29 goals in 30 league games.
The club needs depth in the striking department if they are to challenge Bidvest Wits, Mamelodi Sundowns, SuperSport United and possibly Kaizer Chiefs and Cape Town City atop of the PSL.
A reliable striker, who's consistent, lethal and able to work for the team's cause, would surely inspire Pirates to their fourth PSL title and put a disastrous 2016/17 season behind them.
Possible targets: Jeremy Brockie (SuperSport United), Mogakolodi Ngele (Mamelodi Sundowns), Evans Rusike (Maritzburg United).
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