Sea Robbers signal intent with early raiding

ORLANDO Pirates will head into the 2025/26 campaign with a clear objective - to close the gap on serial champions Mamelodi Sundowns and launch a more convincing bid for domestic supremacy.

- OBAKENG MELETSE

The Buccaneers have wasted little time in laying down a marker, moving decisively in the transfer market to rectify the issues that undermined their title challenge last season. While the Soweto giants finished 13 points adrift of Sundowns, that figure alone doesn’t accurately reflect their efforts throughout the season.

Pirates were, for long stretches, the only team capable of forcing the reigning champions out of their rhythm. Although the final table shows a significant margin, the Brazilians were made to dig deeper than usual to retain their dominance.

But pushing the champions and actually toppling them are two entirely different tasks. While an outright dethroning might still be a season or two away, Pirates are clearly equipping themselves for a more formidable pursuit. Their intentions are clear and deliberate.