It's rare for a DStv Premiership side to have better statistics in one particular area than Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates did by scoring more goals than the reigning champions in 2023. KickOff looks at reasons why Pirates are not challenging for the league title.
The Buccaneers were regarded as favourites to challenge the Brazilians for the league title but have had a topsy-turvy 2023/24 campaign.
One a positive note, Jose Riveiro's charges scored more goals than any other side in the DStv Premiership, including Sundowns in the 2023 calendar year, 50 goals in the league only, one goal more than Masandawana, although they have played two more games.
Pirates' potential as the next best team to challenge the Tshwane giants is also shown by the fact that they accumulated the second-best tally of points in 2023 in the PSL, 60 points, 14 points less than Sundowns.
Why are Pirates not challenging for the title?
Defensive changes
The Buccaneers' back-line has changed numerous times during the season, with three players already used at right wing-back position. Bandile Shandu and Thabiso Monyane alternated in the early stages of the season and currently Fortune Makaringe has been converted to play that role.
Injuries at left wing-back position also affected Pirates' consistency in the line-up, after Paseka Mako and Innocent Maela were out with long-term injuries, although Maela has recovered. The centre-back pairing is also not consistent, with Tapelo Xoki, Nkosinathi Sibisi and Olisa Ndah all alternating.
Unable to cope with fixture congestion
Pirates dropped most points when they were playing too many games within a short period of time and on the other hand were consistently getting results when the games were spread out, with at least four days of recovery.
The Buccaneers' six-game unbeaten run before losing back-to-back matches against SuperSport United and Stellenbosch was achieved in a period where the fixtures were well spread out, with enough rest in between.
Read: SuperSport United join race for Zimbabwe's number one
Head to head struggles against Sundowns
Pirates have lost the previous six league games against the Brazilians and the last time they beat them in the league was back in 2020.Before believing that they can challenge for the league title, the Soweto giants have to beat Masandawana themselves or can't afford to lose home and away against Sundowns.
Losing consecutive games against the Brazilians does not only take the points away but can also be a psychological factor.
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