The Buccaneers did not make too many high-profile signings ahead of the 2024/25 season, with Bafana Bafana duo Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha headlining the incoming players, which included a number of youngsters from the reserve team.

The Mayfair based side had a superb start to the season, going unbeaten in their first 11 matches whilst securing their third consecutive MTN8 title in the 3-1 victory against Stellenbosch at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Bucs also secured progression to the 2024/25 CAF Champions League after eliminating Disciples FC and Jwaneng Galaxy in the preliminary qualifying rounds.

The Soweto giants then suffered a shock Round of 16 exit in the Carling Knockout Cup against newcomers and eventual cup winners Magesi FC, a match which saw Bucs concede 3 goals in the first half.

That Magesi clash would be the last match that winger Monnapule Saleng played for the club in the 2024/25 season amid reports of a fallout between him and the club.

Spanish coach Jose Riveiro decided to trust his youngsters, introducing Mohau Nkota into the starting line-up to replace Saleng and pairing him up with winger Relebohile Mofokeng.

The 20-year-old returned his coach's favour by scoring a wonderful brace in his second start for the club in a 2-1 win over Amazulu in Durban and helping the team to a five-match winning streak.

In December, Bucs suffered their first defeat in the Betway Premiership against Stellenbosch at Orlando Stadium, before back-to-back draws in the CAF Champions League against Al Ahly and Stade d'Abidjan.

A second loss in the league against Sekhukhune United at home was followed by the club's biggest win in their PSL history, as they walloped Marumo Gallants 8-1 before ending 2024 with a win against Magesi.

The Soweto giants started the new year (2025) with a convincing 3-1 win over Stade d'Abidjan in their CAF Champions League Group C clash before losing their next league match against a Mushin Ertugral-led Cape Town City.

Pirates continued to impress in the continental competition, defeating CR Belouizdad at home before pulling off a spirited victory against defending champions Al Ahly in Egypt to advance to the knockout stages.

The success in CAF as well as a Soweto derby win against rivals Kaizer Chiefs courtesy of a late Tito Maswanganyi 'paneka' penalty, made supporters start believing in achieving an unprecedented quadruple.

However, a rampant Mamelodi Sundowns put those hopes in immediate doubt with a crushing 4-1 victory inspired by Brazilian attacker Lucas Ribeiro Costa.

Despite a great run in the cup competitions, Bucs still dropped important points, with a shock 2-0 defeat to Marumo Gallants creating a bigger gap between Bucs and table toppers Sundowns.

A Relebohile Mofokeng brace inspired victory in the second league fixture against Masandawana restored a glimmer of hope in the title challenge, but Sundowns would not falter thereafter.

In April, the club announced that coach Jose Riveiro would vacate his post at the end of the season, news that took supporters and the media by surprise following his cup winning exploits.

Heartbreak followed soon after as Bucs bowed out of the CAF Champions League despite a valiant effort in their second leg 3-2 loss away to eventual winners Pyramids FC.

A week later AmaBhakaniya completed the double over Amakhosi but went on to lose the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup final to their Soweto rivals a week later.

The club then announced that they have allowed coach Riveiro leave before the end of the season after he had signed with a new club (Al Ahly).

Mandla Ncikazi oversaw the remaining four matches in the league, remaining unbeaten but winning only one of those fixtures with their second spot and CAF Champions League spot already secured.

Bucs will be optimistic about next season following the mature performances of their young players, including defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and midfielder Simphiwe Selepe, who both recently earned their Bafana Bafana debuts.

The club has announced Abdelslam Ouaddou as the new head coach and will be embarking on a pre-season tour of Spain with their new signings.

Here are a few key stats from AmaBhakaniya's season:

Key player - Relebohile Mofokeng (27 goal contributions - 12 goals, 15 assist)
Top goal scorer - Tshegofatso Mabasa (15 goals)
Most minutes - Deon Hotto (4300 minutes played)
Clean sheets - 21 (Sipho Chaine - 21, Melusi Buthelezi - 2, Siyabonga Dladla 1)

Orlando Pirates Season Review: Bucs youngsters impress despite disappointing 2024/25 finish