Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler believes the transformation of the team from containing much of their old guard at the start of the season to a younger, more dynamic combination at the end of it holds potential for next season.
But before Bucs can think that far, they are likely to have to beat SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in Saturday's final round of matches to guarantee a top-eight finish.
It has been a frustrating season for Pirates and Tinkler. An exhausting run to the CAF Confederation Cup final, which had denied the Buccaneers most of their off-season, culminated in a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel in November.
Bucs can salvage their domestic season to some extent by beating SuperSport twice. First in the league on Saturday, guaranteeing at least seventh place, at best sixth, avoiding falling below their worst PSL finish of eighth in 2007-08.
They meet SuperSport again in the Nedbank Cup final in Polokwane next weekend.
"I'd obviously be happy if we ended the season winning a trophy," Tinkler said. "I think that's important.
"But looking back at the season, there would still be disappointment, obviously in our league form. First and foremost, disappointment at losing in the Confed final, because that would be a highly prestigious competition to win for any coach.
"And then it's just to start planning for next season. To try and rectify the errors that we made and look to build on what we've achieved this season."
Among Bucs' old guard, especially in an ageing defence, Siyabonga Sangweni has retired and Rooi Mahamutsa and Happy Jele have become increasingly marginalised.
Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Ayanda Gcaba, Edwin Gyimah and Thabo Matlaba have provided a less static combination in Bucs' back four.
Luvuyo Memela, Thabo Qalinge and Tendai Ndoro have also brought energy into Pirates' attack.
In the Cup run, Pirates' hunger to finish with a trophy has been evident. They beat Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns (2-0 with 10 men in extra-time in Atteridgeville), and last weekend Free State Stars (4-2 at Goble Park) to reach the final.
Saturday's Fixtures (all 3pm):
Chiefs v Chippa, FNB Stadium; University of Pretoria v Arrows, Tuks Stadium; Pirates v SuperSport, Orlando; Sundowns v Platinum Stars, Lucas Moripe Stadium; Ajax v Wits, Cape Town Stadium; Cosmos v Maritzburg, Olen Park; Celtic v Polokwane City, Dr Molemela Stadium; Aces v FS Stars, Mbombela.
Tinkler banks on new blood
Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler believes the transformation of the team from containing much of their old guard at the start of the season to a younger, more dynamic combination at the end of it holds potential for next season.
But before Bucs can think that far, they are likely to have to beat SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium in Saturday's final round of matches to guarantee a top-eight finish.
It has been a frustrating season for Pirates and Tinkler. An exhausting run to the CAF Confederation Cup final, which had denied the Buccaneers most of their off-season, culminated in a 2-1 aggregate defeat to Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel in November.
Bucs can salvage their domestic season to some extent by beating SuperSport twice. First in the league on Saturday, guaranteeing at least seventh place, at best sixth, avoiding falling below their worst PSL finish of eighth in 2007-08.
They meet SuperSport again in the Nedbank Cup final in Polokwane next weekend.
"I'd obviously be happy if we ended the season winning a trophy," Tinkler said. "I think that's important.
"But looking back at the season, there would still be disappointment, obviously in our league form. First and foremost, disappointment at losing in the Confed final, because that would be a highly prestigious competition to win for any coach.
"And then it's just to start planning for next season. To try and rectify the errors that we made and look to build on what we've achieved this season."
Among Bucs' old guard, especially in an ageing defence, Siyabonga Sangweni has retired and Rooi Mahamutsa and Happy Jele have become increasingly marginalised.
Ntsikelelo Nyauza, Ayanda Gcaba, Edwin Gyimah and Thabo Matlaba have provided a less static combination in Bucs' back four.
Luvuyo Memela, Thabo Qalinge and Tendai Ndoro have also brought energy into Pirates' attack.
In the Cup run, Pirates' hunger to finish with a trophy has been evident. They beat Kaizer Chiefs, Jomo Cosmos, Mamelodi Sundowns (2-0 with 10 men in extra-time in Atteridgeville), and last weekend Free State Stars (4-2 at Goble Park) to reach the final.
Saturday's Fixtures (all 3pm):
Chiefs v Chippa, FNB Stadium; University of Pretoria v Arrows, Tuks Stadium; Pirates v SuperSport, Orlando; Sundowns v Platinum Stars, Lucas Moripe Stadium; Ajax v Wits, Cape Town Stadium; Cosmos v Maritzburg, Olen Park; Celtic v Polokwane City, Dr Molemela Stadium; Aces v FS Stars, Mbombela.
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