Former Orlando Pirates striker Albert ‘Bashin’ Mahlangu has identified the most significant factor that could prevent the Soweto giants from clinching the league title this season.
Bucs recently claimed a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns in a top-of-the-table Betway Premiership clash at FNB Stadium most recently. Pirates made a strong start, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first five minutes, following two clinical finishes from Relebohile Mofokeng.
That victory offered hope for a potential title challenge, particularly with the Buccaneers holding four games in hand. It also served as revenge for the 4-1 loss they suffered against Sundowns in February.
The Buccaneers still remain 15 points behind Sundowns, who have won the league in the last seven seasons. Under Jose Riveiro as head coach, Pirates have finished second over the previous two seasons.
“Even before the game [against Sundowns], I strongly felt that 2025 would be Orlando Pirates’ year,” Mahlangu, who played for the Sea Robbers between 1986 and 1995 as a striker, told FARPost. “The way they’ve been playing, my gut told me this is their time to dominate.
“The potential is there, and now it’s all about them. It’s up to the players to keep their eyes on the prize and focus on winning every remaining game.”
The former star said that to win the league title; the team would need to maintain a high level of performance throughout the rest of the season.
BASHIN MAHLANGU EXPRESSES BELIEF IN PIRATES SQUAD
“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,” added Mahlangu.
Mahlangu maintained his belief in the current squad, saying he sees no reason why they shouldn’t win the league.
“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.
“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.”
After the international break, the Sea Robbers visit Algeria’s MC Alger in a CAF Champions League quarterfinal tie set for April 1. The second leg will be played at the Orlando Stadium on April 9.
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By Siphokazi Vuso