Advertisement

MTN8 Team Profile: Orlando Pirates

football08 October 2020 06:10| © Mzansi Football
Share
article image
Fortune Makaringe © Getty Images

Orlando Pirates will look to put behind them some poor form in the MTN8 in recent years as they gun for a first trophy of any kind since they lifted the 2014 Nedbank Cup.

The Buccaneers had a strong finish to the last league season with three wins in a row, and will hope to carry that form into the new campaign, having made a number of exciting additions to their squad.

They have been slow starters to the campaign in the past, but this time will want to hit the ground running, beginning with their MTN8 quarterfinal at home to Cape Town City on 17 October. 

LAST SEASON AT A GLANCE

League Position:  3rd
League Record:  P30 W14 D10 L6 GF40 GA29
MTN8:  Quarterfinals
Telkom Knockout:  Quarterfinals
Nedbank Cup:  Last 32

HEAD COACH – JOSEF ZINNBAUER

German coach Zinnbauer arrived in December 2019 and immediately oversaw a turnaround in performances for The Buccaneers. 

So much so that he dragged them back into the title race, but a poor start to the bio-bubble in August ended those hopes.

The side played 17 league matches under Zinnbauer last season, recording 10 wins and five draws, a big platform to build on for the coming campaign, especially after making a number of top signings.

PSL ERA MTN8 RECORD

Pirates are the second most successful side in MTN8 competition history with nine titles in all from 15 final appearances, but success in recent years had been hard to come by.

In fact, the side have exited in the quarterfinals in their last four visits to the competition, ousted last year by Highlands Park in a surprise result.

They lost back-to-back finals in 2013 and 2014, and were last champions in 2011 as they defended the title they had also won the year before.

The Buccaneers will feel they are long overdue a win in the MTN8.  

2019: Quarterfinals
2018: Quarterfinals
2016: Quarterfinals
2015: Quarterfinals
2014: Final
2013: Final
2012: Semifinals
2011: Winners
2010: Winners
2009: Quarterfinals
2008: Quarterfinals
2007: Final
2006: Quarterfinals
2005: Semifinals
2004: Quarterfinals
2003: Quarterfinals
2002: Semifinals
2001: Semifinals
2000: Winners
1996: Winners

TRANSFERS

In – Thulani Hlatshwayo, Deon Hotto, Terrence Dzvukamanja (all Bidvest Wits), Collins Makgaka (Baroka FC), Wayde Jooste (Highlands Park)

Out – Justice Chabalala (Bloemfontein Celtic, loan), Augustine Mahlonoko (Baroka FC), Alfred Ndengane, Diamond Thopola, Xola Mlambo, Meshack Maphangule, Brian Hlongwa, Thembela Sikhakhane, Tercious Malepe, Augustine Mulenga (all released)

PLAYER TO WATCH – FORTUNE MAKARINGE

Midfielder Makaringe emerged as a key player at Pirates last season following his move from Maritzburg United and it is fair to say that when he played well, so did the rest of the side.

The 27-year-old put in high-energy showings and in many matches seemed to drag the team through what were otherwise limp and lacklustre performances.

What he will want to add this season is goals. He scored just once in the 29 domestic appearances he made in all competitions, though that did come in the Soweto Derby against Kaizer Chiefs.  

Advertisement