Orlando Pirates enter 2026 leading the Betway Premiership, but recent
history suggests their hold on the top spot could hinge on their activity in
the January transfer window. A look back at how Mamelodi Sundowns have used
the mid-season market to fend off challenges reveals a crucial lesson for
the Buccaneers.
Last season, Pirates were also in the title mix at the festive break,
trailing Sundowns by just six points with two games in hand. However, their
decision not to make any January signings proved costly. In stark contrast,
Sundowns aggressively strengthened their squad, bringing in key players like
Jayden Adams, Keanu Cupido, and Lucas Suarez, while also welcoming back
Matias Esquivel from loan. This bolstered depth allowed the Tshwane giants
to pull away in the league and compete on multiple fronts, leaving Pirates
behind.
The strain of a deep CAF Champions League run further exposed Pirates’ lack
of squad depth, a point where former coach Jose Riveiro reportedly felt
unsupported by the club’s management.
This pattern of decisive January moves by Sundowns is not new. In the
2023/24 season, while Pirates made shrewd signings in Thabiso Lebitso,
Thalente Mbatha, and a returning Tshegofatso Mabasa—who were instrumental in
a Nedbank Cup win and a strong title push—Sundowns countered with superior
firepower. Their acquisitions of Thembinkosi Lorch, Tashreeq Matthews,
Esquivel, and Zuko Mdunyelwa ultimately tipped the scale in their favour.
Interestingly, the 2022/23 season flipped the script: Pirates made five
January signings, while Sundowns stayed quiet. Yet, it wasn’t enough for the
Buccaneers, as a squad still gaining experience under Riveiro in his first
season could not clinch the title.
The message from recent seasons is clear: strategic January reinforcement is
not just an option but a potential title-decider. For Pirates to finally
convert their league lead into a sustained challenge and break Sundowns’
dominance, the coming transfer window may be their most critical test yet.
