Get Rhulani Mokwena on board, hold on to Relebohile Mofokeng, Mbekezi Mbokazi & Mohau Nkota - this is how Orlando Pirates may stand a chance to mount a challenge against Mamelodi Sundowns for the PSL title

The league title may be out of reach and second place already secured, but for the Buccaneers, the job is far from over. With two games left in their PSL season, Pirates now have pride, dignity, and a record to play for. Victory in just one of their remaining fixtures would see Pirates break their all-time points tally in the PSL era, a feat last touched in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 seasons when they crowned their campaigns with championship glory on 61 points. Fast forward to the present, and Pirates stand on the brink of history again.

The 2010/11 title-winning side fell just short of that mark with 60 points. But now, with a possible six points up for grabs, Pirates could reach a new high of 65 points - an emphatic finish to an otherwise titleless season. Most significantly, closing the gap to Sundowns from last season’s daunting 23-point chasm to just eight points would show real progression. That’s not just statistics; that’s a statement.

If Pirates are serious about dethroning the dominant Sundowns, they’ll need to get the next managerial appointment absolutely right. Enter Mokwena, a name that resonates with the Sea Robbers’ faithful. Now a free agent following his departure from Wydad Casablanca, Mokwena has already walked the corridors of the Orlando Stadium. His first stint may have come early in his coaching career, but this time, he returns as a seasoned tactician with silverware-laden experience.

After a successful tenure at Mamelodi Sundowns, where he collected trophies as an assistant, co-coach, and head coach, Mokwena has matured into a winner. He understands the club’s culture, knows what it takes to conquer the PSL, and could be the missing piece in Pirates’ puzzle. Appointing him would be less of a gamble and more of a strategic play - one aimed directly at ending Sundowns' stranglehold on domestic football. Some, however, actually prefer interim coach Mandla Ncikazi. When Pirates lost the league by two points and five points in the 2018/19 and 2017/18 seasons, respectively, Mokwena was the assistant coach to Milutin Sredojević. That should count for something.

One of the clearest lessons from this season? Depth matters. When Pirates began to lose defenders to injuries, head coach Jose Riveiro had to dip into the club’s development ranks. Youngsters like Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Thabiso Sesane were thrown into the deep end when Thapelo Xoki struggled with form and fitness. Sesane came in for Olisa Ndah, and Mbokazi had to fill in when Sesane himself got sidelined.

Fortunately, the youngsters adapted well, slotting into the backline seamlessly. But let’s be honest - had things gone wrong, Pirates would have been dangerously exposed. Promotion from within is admirable, but competing with the likes of Sundowns requires more than promise - it demands proven quality. The upcoming transfer window presents an opportunity not just to pad the defence, but to bring in depth across all positions. It’s time for Pirates to act like title contenders in the market, not just on the pitch.

Riveiro’s decision to promote the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Mbokazi, and Sesane may end up being his biggest contribution to the club. These aren’t just prospects anymore - they're part of the engine room. They’ve shown resilience, maturity, and in some cases, star quality. Naturally, Mofokeng will be the first to attract interest from clubs abroad or within the league.

But Pirates must resist the urge to sell for short-term profit. These youngsters could form the core of a title-winning side. They’ve already played crucial roles this season, and under a new coach - maybe even Mokwena - they could become the foundation of something special. Hold on to them, nurture them, and build a team around their energy and dynamism.

If there’s one glaring hole in the Pirates' title-chasing ambitions, it’s the lack of a consistent, high-scoring striker. While Tshegofatso Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa have had moments, their overall returns pale in comparison to their counterparts at Sundowns. Mabasa has just seven goals and no assists in the league, while Makgopa has five goals and two assists.

Contrast that with the lethal partnership of Lucas Ribeiro and Iqraam Rayners -16 goals and 9 assists for Ribeiro, 14 goals and a matching number of assists for Rayners. That kind of output is what separates champions from challengers. For Pirates to mount a serious title bid next season, they’ll need to invest in a forward who can guarantee 15 goals in the league - and contribute even more across competitions. A proper goal machine is not just a nice-to-have; it’s a must.

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