Orlando Pirates completed the signing of a midfielder

The Orlando Pirates have officially bolstered their midfield ranks, securing the signature of Baroka FC’s influential playmaker, Tshepho Mashiloane. The move, confirmed by both clubs, sees the 29-year-old pivot join the Buccaneers after impressing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. But the burning question echoing through the Sea Robbers’ faithful is: Will Mashiloane be the catalyst to propel Pirates beyond their second-place finish last season?

Mashiloane’s Pedigree: What He Brings

Mashiloane arrives with a reputation as a cerebral and technically gifted central midfielder. At Baroka, he was the undisputed engine room conductor:

1. Deep-Lying Playmaker: He excels in the “number 6” role, sitting deep, dictating tempo, and breaking up opposition attacks with intelligent positioning.

2. Vision and Passing Range: His greatest asset is his ability to pick a pass, particularly long diagonals and incisive through balls that switch play and unlock defences.

3. Set-Piece Threat: He possesses a dangerous delivery from dead-ball situations, adding another dimension to Pirates’ attacking arsenal.

4. Experience & Leadership: At 29, he brings valuable PSL experience and a calm head, crucial for high-pressure games.

Pirates’ Midfield: Addressing a Need?

Last season, Pirates were formidable defensively and secured a commendable second place and two domestic cup trophies. However, their midfield sometimes lacked consistent creativity and control, especially against compact defences:

• Solidity over Flair: Miguel Timm and Makhehlene Makhaula provided immense grit and defensive cover but are less known for progressive passing.

• Inconsistency in Creation: While the likes of Patrick Maswanganyi had standout moments, the burden of chance creation wasn’t always evenly distributed or consistently effective from deep.

• Squad Rotation & Depth: The demanding schedule exposed the need for reliable alternatives beyond the core midfielders.

Where Mashiloane Fits In (and the Challenges)

Mashiloane appears tailor-made to address some of these specific needs:

• The Regista Role: He could slot in as the deep-lying playmaker, allowing more attacking midfielders (like Maswanganyi or Kabelo Dlamini) freedom to operate higher up.

• Unlocking Defences: His passing range offers a direct route to bypass high presses or break down stubborn low blocks – a scenario Pirates occasionally struggled with.

• Tactical Flexibility: He provides coach Jose Riveiro with a different midfield profile, enabling tactical shifts between games or within matches.

However, significant questions remain:

1. Stepping Up: The Motsepe Foundation Championship, while competitive, is a different beast to the intensity and pressure of the DStv Premiership and CAF Champions League. Can Mashiloane adapt and maintain his influence consistently at this higher level?

2. Competition: Pirates boast a crowded midfield. Timm and Makhaula are established, Thalente Mbatha impressed on loan, and there are younger talents. Earning a starting spot won’t be easy.

3. Defensive Contribution: While not weak defensively, his primary strength is distribution. Pirates’ system relies heavily on midfielders contributing defensively. Will he provide the required steel alongside his silk?

4. System Fit: Riveiro has a very specific, possession-based system. How quickly and seamlessly can Mashiloane integrate into its demands?

Will He Make Pirates Better Than Last Season?

It’s a qualified “potentially, yes” – but he won’t do it alone.

• Addressing a Specific Need:Mashiloane directly targets a potential weakness – consistent deep-lying creativity. If he adapts well, he adds a crucial dimension.

• Squad Depth & Quality: His signing strengthens the overall squad, providing quality competition and a different option. Depth is vital for competing on multiple fronts.

• Experience & Niche Skill: His passing range is a unique asset few in the current squad possess to the same degree.

However, expectations must be tempered:

• Not a Guaranteed Starter: He is a valuable addition, not necessarily an automatic first-choice replacement.

• Team Effort: Improvement over last season (which included two cups) requires collective progress: sharper finishing from forwards, continued defensive solidity, and overall tactical execution. One midfielder doesn’t transform everything.

• Adaptation Period: There will likely be an adjustment phase. Immediate, transformative impact shouldn’t be assumed.

The Verdict

Tshepho Mashiloane is an intelligent signing for Orlando Pirates. He possesses a specific skill set that addresses an area where the team could improve. His vision and passing range offer a potentially potent weapon against defensive setups. He can make the team better by adding depth, tactical variety, and much-needed creativity from deep midfield.

But labeling him the singular solution to surpassing last season’s achievements is unrealistic. His success hinges on adapting to the higher level, winning his place in a competitive setup, and integrating into Riveiro’s system. If he manages this, he becomes a significant piece of the puzzle. Ultimately, while Mashiloane strengthens the Buccaneers’ hand significantly, the quest to dethrone Sundowns and conquer Africa will require the entire squad to elevate their game. Mashiloane’s arrival is a promising step, but the journey involves the whole crew.