After Orlando Pirates' hiccup away to Marumo Gallants dented their title aspirations, there is one big issue they may regret as a lesson for falling far behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
Pirates had an impressive start to the season, including qualifying for the CAF Champions League quarterfinals.
READ | OFFICIAL: Former Sundowns coach returns...
However, in the second round of the campaign in the Betway Premiership, it appears their best performances for the season could be behind them, mainly due to playing the same core of players week in and week out.
The squad depth is beginning to crack, as the side was run ragged in midfield without Thalente Mbatha against Sundowns in a 4-1 loss and could not get a result against Gallants minus Patrick Maswanganyi.
As former Pirates and Masandawana winger Lebohang Mokoena explains, the Soweto giants shot themselves in the foot by not bolstering in January.
"The lessons learned... I mean, Sundowns, even if they're doing really well, they will always go into the market to look for a quality player," Mokoena said on SoccerBeat YouTube Channel.
"Orlando Pirates, I was hoping they were going to get an (Oswin) Appollis because I felt on the right-hand side, no one is really trying to assist Rele (Mofokeng, who plays on the left). Because the focus is on the boy, the focus is on 'Tito' (Maswanganyi), but once those two are not in action or not really playing well, what happens to the team?
"Sundowns can reshuffle the squad. I think it's a lesson for Pirates that even if you're still doing well, you can still go to the market and get a quality player, try to improve the squad every transfer market," observed 'Cheeseboy'.
Bucs made only three notable signings even in off-season, in Deano Van Rooyen, Gilberto and Selaelo Rasebotja.
Out of the three, only Van Rooyen has improved the squad.
READ | JUST IN: Benson Mhlongo to sit next to ex-Chiefs coach
The decision not to make January signings was surprising, especially after the club sent Gilberto back to his former club Petro de Luanda of Angola on loan.
The issue of Monnapule Saleng not playing since early December last year has also left the Buccaneers squad thin.
Jose Riveiro's charges are currently 18 points behind the Tshwane giants with four games in hand.