PSL Transfers Focus: Orlando Pirates

For the first time in years, Orlando Pirates aren’t just spectators in the race for the PSL title – they are setting the pace. Pirates started the New Year at the top of the league table for only the second time in PSL history, with the only previous instance coming in 2004 under Kostadin Papic. Now that they have been knocked out of the CAF Champions League, teh Buccaneers are well-positioned for a focused title charge. Yet, they are not sitting on their laurels – they are making moves in the transfer market. Their recent raid on Marumo Gallants, signing promising players Daniel Msendami and Mpho Chabatsane shows how serious they are.

So far so good

Pirates opened the season with successive defeats in the league, but they managed to turn things around between September and December. Now, they are looking down at the rest of the league, and looking forward to what might be. Sundowns may be top at the moment, but Pirates have two games in hand. As things stand, they will overtake Sundowns on games played before the teams meet in mid-February. Pirates’ record of 18 goals scored is only the third best in the league, so that is not their main strength. They have conceded only five goals, and their xG allowed reflects a team that has the best defence.
Pirates opened the season with successive defeats in the league, but they managed to turn things around between September and December. Now, they are looking down at the rest of the league, and looking forward to what might be. Sundowns may be top at the moment, but Pirates have two games in hand. As things stand, they will overtake Sundowns on games played before the teams meet in mid-February. Pirates’ record of 18 goals scored is only the third best in the league, so that is not their main strength. They have conceded only five goals, and their xG allowed reflects a team that has the best defence.

Metric	Rank	Value
Goals scored	3rd (joint)	18
Goals conceded	1st	5
xG (Expected Goals)	4th	17.3
xGA (Expected Goals Against)	1st	6.5
Shots Taken	3rd	166 (13.8 per game)
Shots Conceded	1st	82 (6.8 per game)

New addition: Daniel Msendami

Daniel Msendami arrives as one of the league’s most exciting players, and as one of Marumo Gallants’ best attackers. In the first half of the campaign, he ranked eighth in the league for shots taken (23). But in his team, he touched the ball in the opposition box more than any other player (36) and led for dribbles attempted (22) and completed (12). While Msendami only converted one goal from a 1.81 xG, the volume of his attempts is what caught Pirates’ eye. Eight of his 23 shots came from outside the box, hinting at a player who is confident in creating his own opportunities. In addition, given the creators that Pirates have available, he should find himself doing less of his own work. If the coaching staff can work on his shot selection (moving those eight long-range attempts into higher-percentage areas), Msendami could become an important weapon in the final third.

New arrival: Mpho Chabatsane

Mpho Chabatsane may be a left-back, but it is clear that he provides further offensive depth for Pirates. Ranking 4th at Marumo Gallants for shots taken (11) is rare for a left-back. Unlike Msendami, he adds a different type of goal-scoring threat from deeper positions. He led Marumo for touches all season, but what stands out is his dribbles success rate (88%) – of the eight dribbles he has attempted, only one has been stopped. His inclusion ensures that Pirates maintain their high shot-per-game average (currently 13.8) even when rotating the squad.

As Sundowns continue to fight on multiple fronts, Pirates have a chance to focus on bringing a title that has eluded them for over a decade. The defence is solid, but the new attacking additions could provide the extra edge they need.