Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Junior Khanye says Orlando Pirates’ dependence on individual brilliance could prove to be both a strength and a weakness in their title pursuit.
The outspoken analyst pointed to the form of key players such as Relebohile Mofokeng and Sipho Mbule as decisive factors in whether the Buccaneers can sustain their challenge.
“Can Pirates win the league? At Pirates you need certain players to perform, they rely on individual brilliance, you need Rele (Mofokeng) to do something special,” Khanye said on his YouTube channel.
“Once you pocket Rele or Mbule, I don’t think Pirates can rise. Certain players, three or four, if they don’t show up, I don’t think Pirates can rise. It’s more of an individual team.”
Khanye argued that the Buccaneers’ dependence on individual talent is nothing new, citing past stars who often carried the team’s creative burden.
“We can’t question it, it comes from way back with the likes of (the late) Gift Leremi, ‘Cheese’ (Lebohang Mokoena), Tso (Benedict Vilakazi), and ‘Dukuduku’ (Joseph Makhanya). Pirates need certain players for them to win. Challenging for the league, they have the potential,” he added.
Pirates’ current campaign has been a story of revival after a shaky start.
New head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s early tactical tweaks unsettled the side, particularly Mofokeng, who has yet to register a goal or assist this season after losing his usual spot to new signing Oswin Appollis.
However, the emergence of Kamogelo Sebelebele has sparked optimism.
The new signing has already scored three goals across two competitions, including crucial strikes in the MTN8 semi-finals against Mamelodi Sundowns, helping Pirates reach the final via penalties.
While momentum is back on their side, Khanye insists that the Buccaneers’ destiny will hinge on whether their star individuals deliver consistently.
Bucs are currently fifth on the league standings with nine points from five games.