While it wasn't his most explosive outing, Relebohile Mofokeng proved exactly why he is the most dangerous outlet in the league. Even on a quiet afternoon at a sold-out FNB Stadium, "Rele" registered four key passes and remained the heartbeat of the Pirates’ attack.
Image: Itumeleng English Independent Media
The title race in the Betway Premiership is now firmly in the hands of Orlando Pirates, who need just three points from their final two matches to be crowned champions.
With a crucial clash against Durban City on Saturday, the Buccaneers know they are within touching distance of ending their long wait for league glory.
And in moments like these, individual brilliance often becomes the difference.
Here are three players who could carry Pirates over the line.
Few players have defined Pirates’ season like Relebohile Mofokeng.
The young attacker has delivered ten goals and eight assists, making him one of the most decisive players in the league despite his age.
His ability to drift between lines, take on defenders, and deliver in big moments has made him a constant threat. In a tight title race, Mofokeng’s end product could be the difference between pressure and celebration.
Oswin Appollis has added a new attacking dimension to the Buccaneers with his direct running and consistency in the final third.
He has registered nine goals and six assists in 28 appearances, a strong return for a wide player adjusting to a demanding system.
Appollis offers balance to Pirates’ attack — stretching defences, creating space, and producing end product when it matters most. Against compact teams like Durban City, his 1v1 ability could be decisive.
Abdeslam Ouaddou is drawing on his European experience to keep Orlando Pirates focused as they move within two games of the Betway Premiership title. With Sipho Chaine breaking records and "Tito" Maswanganyi, pictured, on fire, can the Bucs clinch their first league title in 14 years? Photo: AFP
Image: AFP
Patrick Maswanganyi has endured a slightly disrupted campaign, starting fewer matches than last season, but his influence has grown at a crucial stage.
He has recorded two goals and two assists in 24 appearances, with several key contributions coming in the closing weeks of the season.
His resurgence has been boosted by increased responsibility following injuries in the squad, including the absence of Tshepang Moremi. In tight games, Maswanganyi’s creativity between the lines remains one of Pirates’ most valuable weapons.
With just two matches separating Pirates from the league title, the pressure is now on execution rather than expectation.
Durban City stand in their way this weekend, and while the equation is simple, the challenge is anything but.
But with Mofokeng’s consistency, Appollis’ direct threat, and Maswanganyi’s creativity, Pirates possess the attacking quality needed to finally cross the finish line.
One strong performance could be enough to turn a season of promise into championship history.