As Orlando Pirates try to extend their gap over Mamelodi Sundowns, a key area will be how their attack functions, writes Mazola Molefe.

Whether Orlando Pirates have done enough in the transfer market this season will be put to the test during what many anticipate to be a grueling campaign with coach José Riveiro’s side among the title favourites.

The Buccaneers have confirmed a handful of new recruits, but only one of them is an attacking option in Gilberto from Angolan outfit Petro Luanda.

He comes highly rated but is that going to be enough … SoccerClub looks at what the Soweto giants are working with upfront this season.

TSHEGOFATSO MABASA

Finished top goal scorer in the league last season with an impressive 16 goals having returned from a loan spell at Moroka Swallows. Mabasa is now the leading man at Pirates, who will be hoping he stays injury free to replicate that goal tally.

EVIDENCE MAKGOPA

Makgopa had a dip in form after the Cup of Nations finals with Bafana Bafana at the same time that Mabasa had been recalled by the club. Makgopa suits the Pirates style in certain matches, but he does not always score when he should. This trend needs major improvement for him to star regularly.

ZAKHELE LEPASA

This centre-forward appears to be out of favour with the technical team and has fallen down the pecking order. Lepasa began the 2023/24 season in sizzling form, but the goals dried up long before the halfway mark and he has been overtaken by others.

PATRICK MASWANGANYI

The reigning Players’ Player of the Year has got eyes on him this time around in what is his second season at Pirates. ‘Tito’ began his debut campaign under the radar having joined from SuperSport United and made an instant impact. Now the challenge is to prove he is not a one-hit wonder.

BOITUMELO RADIOPANE

Career has stalled a bit following a career-threatening injury while at Cape Town Spurs on loan, but Radiopane is still only 22 and can recover the form that led to his promotion to the senior team as a teenager. He’s got goals in him on his good days.

GILBERTO

The Angola international is still a bit of an unknown entity and could take a while to adjust to life in the PSL. He is one of the best players in his native country and a popular figure both on and off the pitch. Pirates spent R12 million to get him to South Africa, and it is time to repay the faith shown in him following this big transfer.

MONNAPULE SALENG

Saleng will be the first to admit that last season was one to forget after managing to net only five goals when he bagged 15 in the previous season to clinch the Players’ Player of the Season award. Riveiro has revived him again judging by how he performed in the early rounds of the African Champions League as well as the MTN8.

RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG

This is another season where Mofokeng can be a match winner for Pirates having now established himself as a regular even at the age of 19. It’s fair to conclude that the winger is a solid attacking option for the club both from a creative and goal-scoring point of view.