Improvement or not? How Orlando Pirates compare to last season

Orlando Pirates top the Betway Premiership standings, and they are three points clear of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns.

This follows Wednesday’s 2-1 defeat to Sundowns, and had Pirates won, they would have been nine points clear.

Nonetheless, the positive thing that consoles the majority of Pirates fans is that they remain top of the log.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has made changes to the way the Buccaneers played last season with the introduction of new players.

He took over from Jose Riveiro at the start of the season, and there were uncertainties after losing his opening two league games.

However, Ouaddou dusted himself up, and steered Pirates to an unbeaten run of 14 league games until losing 2-1 Sundowns.

SA People compares Pirates’ numbers at this stage last season and the current campaign after 17 league games.

Also read | Stellenbosch FC unveil former Orlando Pirates star defender

HOW ORLANDO PIRATES COMPARE TO LAST SEASON

Orlando Pirates lead the standings with 38 points from the 17 league games they have played so far this season.

They have recored a whopping 12 wins, two draws and suffered three defeats in those 17 league games.

Pirates goalkeeper Sipho Chaine leads the cleansheets charts in the league with 12 to his name. He has conceded just seven goals.

Last season, Pirates were second on the log at this stage of the campaign (after 17 games) with 36 points.

They had recorded 12 wins, no draws and had suffered five defeats, but while they looked solid as a team, they lacked consistency.

The Soweto giants ended up finishing second behind champions Sundowns, and perhaps playing catch up also affected their rhythm.

Also read | Orlando Pirates and Abdeslam Ouaddou make PSL history

STRONG TITLE CONTENDERS THIS SEASON?

As things stand, Pirates are considered strong favourites to dethrone Sundowns as they top the standings.

Being three points clear of Sundowns, who have a game in hand, is an indication that Ouaddou wants to win the league.

However, they will need to be consistent enough by winning their games to ensure that Sundowns don’t catch them.