Orlando Pirates were expected to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns for the league title this season.

And following a great start by winning the first trophy on offer, the MTN8, many expected a thrilling league title competition.

That was not to be, as Jose Riveiro’s team struggled to balance both CAF Champions League qualifications and league action.

The Buccaneers, on the other hand, have regained momentum and will be looking to win the Nedbank Cup outright.

Furthermore, Jose Riveiro’s Orlando Pirates will be seeking to finish as high as possible in the league, and the coach is relying on these two reinvigorated players!

ORLANDO PIRATES COACH LOOKING FOR SALENG AND MABASA BOOST
“We’re in a similar situation to a year ago. I believe a year ago, in the second half of the season, we were the greatest team in terms of statistics, and right now, it’s too early to tell, but we’re getting there,” Riveiro told IDiskiTimes, referring to Tshegofatso Mabasa and Monnapule Saleng.

“One of the reasons is that we have more than one or two players in good form in our front four, much as last year.

“Obviously, with the caliber of our group, having three, four, or five players in good form will have a significant impact on the team. One of the causes is that we are gradually improving our ability to replicate performances.”

In other news, former Orlando Pirates striker Gabadinho Mhango is coveted by a rival DStv Premiership club.

Currently playing for Swallows FC, the Malawian attacker has been linked with a move to Sekhukhune United!

Mhango has represented Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows, Bidvest Wits, Orlando Pirates, and AmaZulu.

The former Orlando Pirates player has 66 club goals since moving to South Africa in 2013.

SEKHUKHUNE UNITED EYEING FORMER WITS AND BUCS STAR.

“Mhango is one of the guys who has been identified as someone who could come and help the team,” an insider told Citizen about the former Pirates and Wits player.

“He is an extremely talented striker with extensive experience in the DStv Premiership. If you look at him now, you can see that he is still quite hungry.

“It’s not that the squad lacks capable players; it’s just that competition is necessary. This is because they believe some gamers are comfortable because there is no finish.