Former Orlando Pirates coach-turned football agent, Mike Makaab believes the Buccaneers will need some time of adaption under new head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and the club’s new signings.
Pirates have made several standout additions to their squad, leaving fans and analysts excited about their transfer window so far.
Following the additions of players like Oswin Appollis, Sipho Mbule and Sihle Ndule many believe Pirates can challenge Sundowns for the league title this season.
However, Makaab insisted that the new players and the new coach still need to gel in at the club.
“I think the biggest challenge that Orlando Pirates might face this season will be the fact that they’ve changed their head coach, and don’t lets underestimate the value that Jose Riveiro brought to the club,” he said on GagasiFM.
“And on top of that, they’ve signed 11 players, more or less, so there is a brand-new squad of players and a new head coach.
“How long will it take for the new head coach and the new players to fit in and gel, you’re guess is as good as mine.
“If they can hit the ground running and they can get points on the board early, as the season progresses they can become serious contenders, but it’s going to be interesting to see how that happens.”
Makaab also insisted that pre-season results are not really that important after the Buccaneers are yet to pick up a win, losing 2-0 to Bolton Wanders, before drawing 1-1 with Pafos and 0-0 with UD Las Palmas.
“When we talk about pre-season games not being important, I think the results are not important,” he added.
“But definitely in pre-season you’ve got to see some of established pattern in the way that the team is playing, certain combinations whether they work or don’t work.
“A starting XI of players is sent out to win a match but a group is very important when it comes to winning competitions.
“I quite like what he’s done with Pirates at the moment, I like the type of football they’re playing.
“It’s going to be much clearer once we see all of these teams in action in the early stages of the league.
