The Buccaneers were very active in the transfer market, signing at least 10 players but most are yet to win the hearts of the club's multitudes of fans.
Before completing the move to join the European club, it has now emerged the player faced many challenges, including family members who were not ready to return to South Africa.
Despite The Bucs poor start to the season, their recent cup pedigree sees them favourites to beat The Brazilians to reach their fourth MTN8 final in a row.
Masandawana have so far announced the departure of three players since Thursday as part of the process of reducing the number of players in the PSL champions' squad.
South Africa's bid to reach the knockouts of this continental competition continues with this penultimate game of their pool against the bottom-placed West Africans.
Orlando Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is in hot waters, to put it quite mildly. The Buccaneers are not happy with his squad selection, and are doubting if he is the right man to move forward with the team.
With two straight losses, the Moroccan has had a poor start with the Sea Robbers, who looked a more solid and competitive outfit under his predecessor.
The former Amakhosi winger believes Masandawana players might not deliver consistently this season owing to the number of competitions they are participating.
Mamelodi Sundowns FC
