The biggest concern with Orlando Pirates new players has been revealed, as Pirates' opening defeat in the Betway Premiership begs a similar question from last season's losses.
While most supporters and pundits are focusing on whether the likes of Sihle Nduli, Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule can live up to expectations, there is one element that came up as a big talking point after a 1-0 defeat to Sekhukhune United.
The Buccaneers' character was suspect under former coach Jose Riveiro last season, as they struggled to win games they conceded first or from behind in the Premiership.
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The Soweto giants had only three victories after wrestling the games from behind, with all of them coming in the second round of the campaign, a 2-1 win over Cape Town City, an 8-1 demolition of Marumo Gallants and a 2-1 win over rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
Notably, in all Pirates loses last term in the league, they had conceded first, against The Citizens (1-0 loss), Stellenbosch (1-0 loss), Marumo Gallants (2-0 loss), Sekhukhune United (1-0 loss) and Mamelodi Sundowns (4-1) loss all in the first round.
Former winger at Ezimnyama Lebohang Mokoena has questioned whether the club's new signings have what it takes to rise up "when the chips are down".
"One thing that concerns me, is the badge going to be heavy for some of the new players that came in, because I see, even when the chips are down, that's when you see character," Mokoena observed, speaking on Soccerbeat YouTube Channel.
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"I wanted to see it once they were 1-0 down with the certain new players that came in and I could see (with) the noise. You know AmaBuccaneer once things are not going right and you wanna pass the ball back, (instead) of going forward, it's going to be a problem.
"I could pick it up. (Tshepo) Mashiloane, yes first game but playing for a team like Pirates you need to be 100 percent ready, I was complaining the whole game (about the delivery). Here's the question again, why start with (Boitumelo) Radiopane? You need the (Tshegofatso) Mabasa, the (Evidence) Makgopas, Radiopane can gradually come in," Cheeseboy added.
Pirates will be back in Betway Premiership action this evening when they visit Marumo Gallants in Bloemfontein.
