In a candid assessment, Orlando Pirates coach Roscoe Krieling has pinpointed the final third as a crucial area for improvement if his side hopes to secure the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) League title.
The Buccaneers head into the new year, sitting at the top in the Diski Challenge standings with 31 points from 13 matches.
Yet Krieling remains unsatisfied, emphasising the need for his young squad to convert opportunities into goals.
Pirates will kick off the second half of their campaign with a clash against AmaZulu in a Diski Challenge festival at Mpumalanga Stadium this Saturday at 2:30pm.
Reflecting on the team's performance thus far, Krieling noted, "We played 13 games, and while the outcome was good, we had set a target regarding our points from the first 10 games.
"However, my concern lies with our conversion rate. With over 250 entries into the opponent's box, we only managed to score 28 goals, just 10 per cent of those chances. This is an area where we must see significant improvement."
Winger Seth Green is currently Pirates' leading goalscorer with six goals in the DDC, closely followed by Joy Manana with five.
The numbers offer a stark reminder: to claim the league title, the squad must enhance their scoring prowess.
Historical data from the DDC indicates that championship-winning teams routinely net over 60 goals.
For instance, SuperSport United, the 2022-23 champions, amassed an impressive 71 goals, while Stellenbosch and Kaizer Chiefs followed in subsequent seasons with 62 and 63 goals, respectively.
Amaholid’ aphelile and sibuyile ne Diski Challenge
— Asidlali (@Asidlali) January 8, 2026
Mpumalanga Stadium zobe zi happen(a) this weekend
With the title race slowly shaping up, it will be eat or be eaten in the remaining fixtures
Can Amakbhakaniya go all the way?
Kuthand’ukshisa ngempela manje #Asidlali pic.twitter.com/IuYtdN2KXs
As Pirates prepare for their rendezvous with AmaZulu, Krieling acknowledges the challenge that lies ahead.
"They've completely overhauled their technical team, so we're uncertain about what tactics to expect. We don't know if the new staff has brought in new players, but we will learn as the game unfolds. Right now, our focus is on maintaining consistency and continuing from where we left off last season."
AmaZulu recently appointed Kurt Lentjies as their new head coach, who will be assisted by Thabo Mngomeni.
The club has also welcomed new goalkeeper coach Thami Gwala and performance analyst Diana Masaire, adding more intrigue to the upcoming fixture.
As the Pirates aim for victory, the weight of expectations looms large, and the quest for goals will be central to their ambitions in the DDC.