Romeo isn’t feeling the love for the officials here. Image: @samuelshivambu/BackpagePix
Too many cooks spoil the broth? Orlando Pirates have SERIOUS issues to fix during the break
Orlando Pirates will feel as though their MTN8 triumph was a million years ago right now. Jose Riveiro has some thinking to do in the break.
Romeo isn’t feeling the love for the officials here. Image: @samuelshivambu/BackpagePix
Outside of their MTN8 success, it’s actually a worrying time to be an Orlando Pirates fan. Here are some urgent issues which need to be addressed, pronto.
SPRINGBOKS: One player the World Champs have desperately missed
Serious issues for Orlando Pirates to address
Drifting off the pace in the league
Sure, Pirates have been defensively stubborn this season, but talk of a title challenge now feels unrealistic. The Sea Robbers are now nine points adrift of league leaders Sundowns, and the Brazilians have a game in hand. That gap is already looking massive and it seems to be growing. Over to you, Jose Riveiro.
WOW: Hasbulla has made his choice in the Messi vs Ronaldo debate
Over-reliance on Monnapule Saleng
Pirates have a surplus of strikers on their books, however, none of them are scoring goals, and the red-hot form of Monnapule Saleng isn’t going to last forever. When the goals dry up for the 24-year-old, who will Pirates look to when they need the ball in the back of the net? Five of their last six goals in competitive outings have been scored by Saleng, including all of their last three. He ain’t even a striker.
MUFC: England star says Benni McCarthy helped him find himself
Lack of goals
Cast a glance at the DStv Premiership table and it doesn’t make for great reading. Pirates do have the third best defensive record in the division with just seven goals conceded in 13 matches. However, only Gallants, TS Galaxy and Maritzburg United have scored fewer than their NINE goals this campaign.
Too many cooks spoiling the Orlando Pirates broth?
If Marou Souaibou is added to the Pirates roster, they’ll have an over-supply of strikers. Who’s going to play and who’s going to rot away on the bench and grow discontent with life at the club? They could potentially have Souaibou, Zakhele Lepasa, Kermit Erasmus, Kwame Peprah, Evidence Makgopa, Eva Nga and even Ndumiso Mabena vying for two slots. Is that healthy?
Basically, what would you change tomorrow if you were the Orlando Pirates coach?
RIVAL WATCH: Kaizer Chiefs latest news with Zwane fuming, Itu’s new ride, where is Blom?
MORE: Insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle
