EXPLAINED: How Orlando Pirates can beat Mamelodi Sundowns to PSL and Caf Champions League titles

Former Orlando Pirates striker Albert Mahlangu has pinpointed what Bucs need to win the Premier Soccer League (PSL) and even the Caf Champions League.

According to the man nicknamed, Bashin, the Sea Robbers need consistency in order to turn themselves into a very competitive outfit.

Apart from believing that consistency can lead the Soweto giants to glory, Mahlangu also acknowledged how strong the current squad is. He has also asked the players to remain calm as they challenge for trophies this season.

“One of the most important things they need to work on is consistency. Without consistency, progress becomes a challenge. It’s not enough to perform well for a few games. They need to maintain that high level of performance throughout the rest of the season,” Mahlangu told FARPost.

“I’ve been saying for a while now that Orlando Pirates have the potential to win both the league and the Caf Champions League. The squad we have right now is strong, and I truly believe there’s no reason why this team shouldn’t win the league. I’m also very pleased that the club has returned to the culture of promoting development players to the first team. What stands out is that the coach has the room to make decisions, and giving the coach that freedom usually leads to good results," he added.

“As a former player, I’d advise the current squad to stay calm and take things one game at a time. It’s important that the team sticks closely to the coach’s guidance and avoids being sidetracked. If Pirates can go to Egypt and defeat Al Ahly, no team is out of reach. The only thing that can stop this team from winning the league title is the team itself," Mahlangu concluded.

This season, Bucs are challenging for titles on three fronts: the PSL, the Caf Champions League, and the Nedbank Cup.

Although their PSL dream might look distant given how dominant Mamelodi Sundowns are and the gap that separates them, they have more realistic chances in the other competitions.

However, they have played four fewer league games than the Tshwane giants.

In the Champions League, they will face Algeria's MC Alger in the quarter-finals. In the cup competition, where they are the defending champions, they are set to face Marumo Gallants in the semi-finals.

With Relebohile Mofokeng in good scoring form, Pirates have every right to believe they can collect trophies.

After the international break, Pirates will return to action with a continental away assignment as they will be hosted by the Algerian club on April 1, 2025.

They will return to PSL duties on April 6, as they are set to face Polokwane City.