Thuso Phala, a retired midfielder, has predicted Orlando Pirates will struggle without a key trio in the 2024/25 PSL season.
Following Mamelodi Sundowns' recent struggles, Pirates have emerged as strong contenders for the Betway Premiership title.
It has been a difficult season for the Tshwane giants in the MTN8, as they have failed to find their scoring touch and have been eliminated early in the cup competition. Thus far, the league defending champions have scored only one goal, an own goal against Polokwane City FC in the quarter-finals of the MTN8.
In contrast, Pirates have displayed impressive form in their opening matches, winning three and drawing two out of five games across all competitions. In light of Sundowns' current difficulties, they have become a potential title challenger.
Thuso Phala, a retired midfielder, has made a bold prediction about Orlando Pirates' chances in the 2024/25 PSL season.
Following Mamelodi Sundowns' recent struggles, Pirates have emerged as strong contenders for the Betway Premiership title.
The Tshwane giants have faced difficulties in the new 2024/25 season in the MTN8, failing to find their scoring touch and suffering an early exit from the cup competition. The league defending champions have scored only one goal in their three matches, an own goal against Polokwane City FC in the MTN8 quarter-finals.
The Pirates, on the other hand, have shown impressive form in their opening matches, winning three and drawing two in all competitions. The consistent performance they have shown has made them a potential title contender, especially given Sundowns' current challenges.
THUSO PHALA SAYS PIRATES WON’T COMPETE WITHOUT MASWANGANYI, MOFOKENG AND MABASA
According to Phala, Pirates' prospects in the new campaign are considerably hampered by the absence of Patrick Maswanganyi, Relebohile Mofokeng, and Tshegofatso Mabasa.
At the PSL Awards last season, the trio earned accolades for their contributions to the Soweto giants' success.
DStv Prem Player of the Season, Midfielder of the Season, and Nedbank Cup Player of the Tournament were all awarded to Maswanganyi. With 16 goals, Mabasa won the DStv Prem Top Goal Scorer award, while Mofokeng won the Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player award and DStv Prem Young Player award.
Phala believes that the absence of these three players could pose a significant challenge to the Pirates' aspirations.
Phala told NedbankSport: "At Orlando Pirates, if you take out Patrick Maswanganyi, young Relebohile Mofokeng, and Tshegofatso Mabasa, it will be very bad."
He added, with a smile: "I think my Sunday social team will be able to challenge them [Pirates]. They can beat us, but we will put up a fight and challenge them. If ‘Bucs’ do not have those three players, nothing good will happen.
In this campaign, the Buccanners will participate in five competitions: the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, Betway Premiership, and Nedbank Cup domestically. As part of the CAF Champions League, they will face some of Africa's biggest clubs if they advance to the group stage.
