There has been change within the squad this January transfer window, most notably in the outgoings with Mbekezeli Mbokazi having completed his move to Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer.
Having not played a competitive fixture for exactly 48 days, they will hope to hit the ground running.
But which players have they used the most in their 24 matches in all competitions this season? We list the top five:
5. Deon Hotto
Minutes: 1,498
Evergreen Hotto may be 35 years old but shows no sign of slowing down as he remains an important part of the set-up in his left wing-back position. He has played in 19 games in all, with 15 starts, and contributed a goal and four assists. His experience and high work-rate make him invaluable to this team.
Minutes: 1,538
There may have been some concerns when Appollis move from Polokwane City to Pirates at the start of the season as to whether he could make the step up to the big time. But he soon quashed any of those worries and is a strong contender for Player of the Season at the halfway mark. With five goals and six assists he has the most goal contributions in the squad and his ability to play anywhere across the front three is a real bonus too. The 24-year-old is fulfilling the potential many saw in him as a young player before he lost his way for a few years.
3. Lebone Seema
Minutes: 1,770
The centre-back arrived at Pirates from TS Galaxy at the start of the campaign and was immediately installed as a first choice. The exit of Mbokazi will only strengthen his position in the team. At the age of 22, he has a huge future ahead of him and has been a consistent performer, starting 19 games this campaign, and contributing to the excellent defensive record of the side.
Minutes: 1,869
Mbokazi is in second place for now but has played his last game for the club, at least in this spell, after moving to the United States. He was a rock at the back, though did have a dip in form after the announcement of his transfer. He will be a huge loss to the side as on his day is the best defender in the country, but it may open the door for the return of Olisa Ndah to the team.
1. Sipho Chaine
Minutes: 2,090
There were several seasons where Pirates seemed unsure over who was their first-choice goalkeeper but Chaine has stepped up and become very much the number one. He is the back-up to Ronwen Williams in the national team too and has become very consistent and a big part of Pirates’ recent success. He has started all 24 games so far this campaign, only missing minutes in the second leg of their CAF Champions league game against Lioli when he came off injured and was replaced by Melusi Buthelezi.