Much was expected of Orlando Pirates after their blistering finish to the 2017/2018 season. They, however, have started this year’s campaign on a less than impressive note.

The Sea Robbers have managed to win only two of their first five games in the Absa Premiership, scoring 4 goals (two own goals, a penalty, and one goal in open play) in process. Their defence has been shaky and their forwards don’t seem to know where the right side of the net is.

After the first half of last season, Orlando Pirates were pretty much written off as league contenders. Following the New Year, the Buccaneers looked like a different team, they were winning games and scoring goals. Their resurgence was cute, nonetheless, they were far too many points behind Sundowns to mount any challenge to topple the league leaders. But, after a run of wins, they pushed the eventual champions all the way to the last matchday of the league.

This season Orlando Pirates are favourites to win the Absa Premiership along with Mamelodi Sundowns. Has that burden of expectation contributed to their lacklustre start?

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