Overview
- Orlando Pirates' 2-1 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns exposed missed chances in the final third and cut the league lead, with Sundowns closing to within three points with a game in hand.
- Abdeslam Ouaddou clarified that Evidence Makgopa was omitted due to injury rather than tactics, and his status for the next matches remains uncertain.
- With Makgopa out, Yanela Mbuthuma leads the line, while Andre de Jong and Boitumelo Radiopane are among the available attacking options.
- The coach reiterated commitment to developing local forwards, while acknowledging that a faster solution could involve spending R10–R20 million on a foreign striker.
- Pirates refocus on the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 against Casric Stars on Saturday before the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs as fixture pressure builds.