Orlando Pirates fans have reason to smile again after a rocky start to the Betway Premiership season.
The Buccaneers opened their campaign with two disappointing defeats but quickly turned things around, not only stringing together three straight league wins but also booking themselves a spot in the MTN8 final after knocking out rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
But while the results are improving, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye believes the team’s success may be too heavily tied to individual players.
Khanye Questions Pirates’ Reliance on Star Names
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Khanye didn’t hold back.
He argued that Pirates often rely on moments of brilliance from certain individuals rather than working as a consistent unit.
“Can Pirates win the league? At Pirates you need certain players to perform, they rely on individual brilliance, you need Rele (Mofokeng) to do something special,” he explained.
According to him, once players like Relebohile Mofokeng or Sipho Mbule are tightly marked, the Buccaneers struggle to impose themselves.
“If three or four of their key men don’t show up, I don’t think Pirates can rise,” he added.
A Longstanding Pattern
Khanye also suggested this trend isn’t new for Pirates.
He pointed to past greats like the late Gift Leremi, Lebohang “Cheese” Mokoena, Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi, and Joseph “Dukuduku” Makhanya, who often carried the team with their flair and creativity.
“Pirates need certain players for them to win.
Challenging for the league, they have potential,” Khanye said, stressing that without a collective balance, consistency will always be a challenge.
Mofokeng’s Slow Start
Interestingly, Relebohile Mofokeng has yet to record a goal or assist this season despite featuring in six matches.
There was speculation about him moving away from the club earlier in the year, but the transfer never materialised.
Pirates will now hope he can rediscover his spark and become the game-changer Khanye says the team depends on.
What’s Next for the Buccaneers?
The big question is whether Orlando Pirates can build a team strong enough to grind out results even when their stars are shut down.
If they manage that, they could be real contenders for the league title.
But if not, the overreliance on individuals may haunt them as the season unfolds.