Former Orlando Pirates assistant coach, Harris Choeu, has opened up on the factors he believes are contributing to the team’s ongoing inconsistency in the Premier Soccer League (PSL). Choeu, who spent several years working with the Soweto giants, shared his insights into the challenges Pirates are facing, offering a unique perspective based on his inside knowledge of the club’s operations and tactical approach.
In a recent interview, Choeu was candid about the reasons why Orlando Pirates have struggled to find consistency, particularly under the current coaching staff. He pointed to a variety of factors, ranging from tactical issues to player-related challenges, all of which he believes are hindering the team’s performance in the league.
One of the primary reasons Choeu cited for Pirates’ inconsistency was the tactical fluctuations within the team. While Pirates have traditionally been known for their fluid, possession-based style of play, Choeu noted that there have been instances where the team has struggled to implement a clear and effective tactical approach in certain matches.
“The one thing about Orlando Pirates is that they are capable of playing good football, but there have been times when they look disjointed and unsure of their tactical approach,” said Choeu. “You cannot afford to be inconsistent in terms of tactics, especially in the PSL, where teams are very well-prepared and have their own strengths. A team needs to be adaptable, but also have a consistent tactical identity that can be executed in all matches.”
Choeu also pointed out that the constant changes in coaching staff and the tactical shifts that come with it have not helped the team find a stable playing philosophy. “When a team goes through coaching changes or adjustments to their style, it’s difficult to maintain that consistency, especially when you don’t have a clear vision from the top,” he added.
Choeu also emphasized that one of Pirates’ major struggles has been in managing squad depth and player rotation effectively. While Pirates have a talented squad, Choeu argued that injuries and inconsistent performances from key players have disrupted the team’s rhythm. Moreover, he pointed to the pressure on certain players who are expected to carry the team week in and week out, especially when others fail to step up.
“The depth of the squad is a major factor in any team’s consistency,” Choeu explained. “Pirates have a lot of quality players, but when key individuals are missing, it becomes a struggle. There are also instances when the players who are brought in to replace the injured or out-of-form players do not hit the ground running. This can affect the overall team performance.”
He also mentioned that the team’s heavy reliance on a few players to provide the spark going forward often means that if those players fail to perform, Pirates lack the necessary offensive creativity and momentum. “When players like [Thembinkosi] Lorch or [Vincent] Pule are off form, the entire attacking structure can suffer, as those players are integral to the system,” Choeu added.
Another issue Choeu identified is the mental aspect of Pirates’ game. Despite their undeniable talent, Pirates often appear to struggle under pressure, especially in high-stakes situations. Choeu believes that Pirates need to improve their mental toughness if they are to remain competitive in the PSL.
“Orlando Pirates are a big club, and with that comes a huge amount of pressure to perform consistently. However, there have been times when the players seem to lack mental resilience, particularly when things are not going their way on the pitch,” Choeu said. “They need players who can step up in difficult moments, calm things down, and lead the team through tough patches. Consistency is as much about mental strength as it is about tactical execution.”
Choeu also pointed to moments in matches where Pirates seemed to lose focus, particularly when they conceded early goals or failed to convert chances. This lack of concentration has often allowed teams to capitalize on Pirates’ mistakes and gain the upper hand.
“It’s important to stay focused throughout the game, and there have been occasions where Pirates have let their guard down. They need to be mentally sharp for the full 90 minutes, especially when facing top opposition,” he added.
Defensive issues have been another key factor in Pirates’ inconsistency, according to Choeu. While the team has generally boasted a strong attack, their defensive unit has often been vulnerable, particularly when dealing with quick counter-attacks or set pieces.
“Pirates have some great defenders, but their defensive cohesion at times has been a problem,” Choeu said. “They’ve been caught out of position on several occasions, which has resulted in goals conceded. Against top PSL sides, you cannot afford to make these mistakes, as they will punish you.”
The high defensive line, which has been a hallmark of their attacking style, has also left Pirates exposed at times. With opposition teams employing quick, direct balls into the spaces behind Pirates’ fullbacks, the team’s defense has often been caught out of shape. Choeu suggested that improving the defensive organization, particularly in transition, would be crucial for Pirates moving forward.
Finally, Choeu stressed the importance of leadership on and off the field. Pirates’ inconsistency, according to him, is also a result of a lack of strong leadership in critical moments of matches. He pointed to the need for the captain and other senior players to step up and guide the team through tough periods.
“Pirates need leaders who can take control when things aren’t going well. The captain and other senior figures need to motivate the younger players, bring stability to the team, and ensure that the team stays focused on the task at hand,” Choeu said. “When there’s leadership on the pitch, the whole team becomes more confident, and this can help iron out the inconsistency.”
Choeu concluded by offering advice to Pirates as they look to regain their former glory. “Pirates have all the tools to be a successful team in the PSL, but they need to work on finding a consistent tactical approach, strengthen their mental toughness, and make sure that their defense is more organized,” he said. “It’s a matter of finding that balance between attack and defense, and ensuring that the players understand their roles within the team system.”
While it remains to be seen how the team will address these issues, Choeu’s diagnosis of Pirates’ inconsistency sheds light on the challenges facing the club. For Orlando Pirates to return to their dominant best, they will need to address these problems quickly and ensure that they are able to maintain a high level of performance throughout the season. With the right adjustments, Choeu believes the team can regain their spot among South Africa’s football elite.
