Tshepang Moremi shines as Orlando Pirates’ new star after slow start

Tshepang Moremi is fast becoming the player he always believed he could be at Orlando Pirates after overcoming his sluggish start.

When Moremi arrived at Pirates during the winter from AmaZulu, he was a victim of the boo boys, thanks to his wastefulness in front of goal as he missed sitters that looked easier to score. But boy, how he has changed the headlines in the past few games, scoring crucial goals for the team.

He came off the bench to score a brace and register an assist in the MTN8 final 3-0 win over Stellenbosch at Mbombela Stadium.

That was clearly the breakthrough he needed. He scored in both the Carling Knockout quarter-final and semi-final, with his solo goal against Richards Bay steering the Sea Robbers to their maiden final in the competition.

After guiding Pirates to the MTN8 crown, Moremi revealed that it was his first trophy in his professional career. So, it would only add another feather to his cap if he were to guide the Sea Robbers to the promised land of the Carling Knockout.

You see, winning the Carling Knockout could be a major breakthrough for Pirates in domestic football. They struggled in the last two editions of the competition, having been eliminated by Richards Bay in the quarter-finals and Magesi in the opening rounds, respectively.

So, the fact that Moremi played a role for Pirates - scoring in both the quarter-final and semi-final - means he could be the main reason the Buccaneers are maintaining their “cup specialists” tag this season.

With his exploits, Moremi hasn’t only turned his detractors into admirers, but he’s also wormed his way into the heart of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.

Moremi is part of the final squad that will face Zambia in an international friendly marking the beginning of Bafana’s preparations for the AFCON finals in Morocco next month. And with Broos having explained that he wants to keep the core of the team that qualified for both AFCON and the 2026 Fifa World Cup, it’s perhaps safe to assume that Moremi will board the flight to Morocco, especially if he keeps up his solid performances for the Buccaneers.

Playing at AFCON and the World Cup – two major international competitions – is every player’s dream. What would add a cherry on top of Moremi’s dream realisation is the fact that he would follow in the footsteps of his idol, Benni McCarthy.

Moremi is not only grateful to McCarthy for paving the way for players like him to look up to and aspire to soar, but he also credits McCarthy as the coach who gave him his professional debut at AmaZulu a few seasons ago.

McCarthy led Pirates to their last Telkom Knockout crown in 2011. With the competition now rebranded as the Carling Knockout, it would be almost full circle if Moremi were to steer the side to the crown for the first time in 14 years.

The rise of Moremi has been incredible as well. Of all the signings the club made during the winter transfer window, he was one of the newcomers who weren’t expected to make an instant impact at the club. Hence, his sluggish start was probably anticipated.

But fast forward a quarter of the season later, he has endeared himself to 'The Ghost' with his blistering pace on the flanks, tricky feet, and eye for goal. And that’s why it’s true that sometimes it’s not how you start, but how you finish.