Retired midfielder Thuso Phala has made a bold prediction about Orlando Pirates’ chances in the 2024/25 PSL season, claiming they will struggle without a key trio.
Pirates have emerged as strong contenders for the Betway Premiership title following the recent struggles of defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Tshwane giants have faced difficulties in the new 2024/25 season in the MTN8, failing to find their scoring touch and suffering an early exit from the cup competition. In their three matches played thus far, the league defending champions have managed to score only one goal, an own goal against Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
In contrast, Pirates have showcased impressive form in their opening matches, winning three and drawing two out of five games across all competitions. This consistent performance has positioned them as a potential title challenger, especially given the current challenges faced by Sundowns.
THUSO PHALA SAYS PIRATES WON’T COMPETE WITHOUT MASWANGANYI, MOFOKENG AND MABASA
Phala has expressed concerns about Pirates’ prospects in the new campaign, claiming that the absence of Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Tshegofatso Mabasa could significantly hinder their progress and ability to grind out results.
The trio played a pivotal role in the Soweto giants’ performance last season, earning accolades at the PSL Awards.
Maswanganyi was recognised as the DStv Prem Player’s Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season, and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament. Mabasa clinched the DStv Prem Top Goal Scorer award with 16 goals, while Mofokeng was honoured as the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player and DStv Prem Young Player of the Season.
The three players have already made a positive impact in the early stages of this season, contributing goals and assists. Phala believes that their absence could pose a significant challenge to the Pirates’ aspirations.
“At Orlando Pirates, when you take out three players, Patrick Maswanganyi, young Relebohile Mofokeng and Tshegofatso Mabasa, it will be very bad,” Phala told NedbankSport.
With a hint of playful confidence, Phala added: “I think with my Sunday social team, we can try to challenge them [Pirates]. They can defeat us, but we will try to put up a fight and challenge them. For me, without those three players, nothing good will happen [for ‘Bucs’ this season].”
This campaign, ‘The Bucanners’, will compete in five competitions. Domestically, they will participate in the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, Betway Premiership, and the Nedbank Cup. On the continent, they are in the CAF Champions League, where they will face some of Africa’s biggest clubs if they process to the group stages.
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