Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane has highlighted a critical area of concern that coach Abdeslam Ouaddou
must address if the Buccaneers are to defend their domestic treble and chase continental glory in the 2026/27 campaign.
The Buccaneers have made a decent start to their domestic season, collecting 10 points from their opening four Betway Premiership fixtures. Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side recorded victories over Milford FC [2-0], Chippa United [3-0], and Sekhukhune United FC [2-0], alongside a 1-1 draw against AmaZulu FC.
The result keeps Pirates atop the standings with 10 points—three clear of the chasing pack of Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns, and AmaZulu, all tied on seven.
In cup competition, the Sea Robbers secured a 2-1 win over Durban City FC in the MTN8 quarter-finals before claiming a 1-0 victory over Babina Noko in their semi-final first leg, with the decisive second leg scheduled for this coming weekend.
Alongside defending their domestic treble—the Betway Premiership, Carling Knockout, and MTN8—Pirates are aiming to conquer Africa for the first time since their legendary 1995 CAF Champions League triumph.
EUGENE ZWANE ON WHERE ORLANDO PIRATES NEED WORK
Despite their solid early results, Zwane believes the squad lacks an outright, consistent goalscorer to lead the attack.
This follows the injury to Evidence Makgopa, mounting criticism over Yanela Mbuthuma’s recent struggles in front of goal, and the club’s decision to part ways with Tshegofatso Mabasa ahead of the new season.
Meanwhile, in the six matches across all competitions the team has played so far this season, Pirates have relied heavily on their attacking midfielders, who have chipped in eight goals. In contrast, defenders have contributed two, while Boitumelo Radiopane remains the only striker to find the net, with just a single goal.
In an exclusive interview with FARPost, Zwane emphasised that relying heavily on creative midfielders for goals could hinder their title ambitions.
“What Orlando Pirates need right now is a proven goalscorer, maybe two of them,” Zwane told FARPost. “We can see how they are able to create opportunities and how they dominate the ball, as well as how they make entries into the final third.
“They don’t have a player who will score goals every single game, and most of their leading goalscorers are attacking midfielders.
“So, they need a proven goalscorer. I know they were successful in getting a player from Norway, [Sebastian Pedersen]. If that’s the case and he is going to deliver, then Pirates will successfully defend their league title.”
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