There's hope for Orlando Pirates after their impressive display against Chippa United on Saturday.
It's understandable that the Bucs faithful didn't turn up in big numbers thanks to the team's disastrous last campaign that saw them finish outside the top eight for the first time in the Premier Soccer League-era. And it didn't help that it was very cold.
Pirates' performance, however, could have warmed many hearts especially in the first half as they dictated terms.
Led by new skipper Thabo "Festival" Matlaba, the Buccaneers showed their intentions from the first whistle.
Their four debutants, Wayne Sandilands, Thamsanqa Sangweni, Innocent Maela and Musa Nyatama, fitted in well.
Nyatama's good through ball to midfielder Mpho Makola could have led to an early goal but Brighton Mhlongo, in goal, made a great stop to deny his former teammate.
A great header, great cross and the Buccaneers were in the lead.
Soon after that, the home side launched a counterattack that was started by Thabo Qalinge and resulted in Nyatama having a shot at goal, but he didn't hit the target.
Sredojevic was the happier of the two coaches when the two teams went into the break, but his counterpart Dan "Dance" Malesela must have had a lot to say to his charges and to his credit Chippa came out the better side in the second half.
New Pirates coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic rang the changes.
In defence, Sredojevic opted for Ntsikelelo Nyauza, a natural rightback, and Gladwin Shitolo, who is more comfortable in central midfield, as his centre-back pair.
Bucs looked solid in defence and Chippa rarely created a chance against them except after half an hour when Sangweni made a defensive blunder.
Chippa striker Moeketsi Sekola intercepted Sangweni's back pass, but Sandilands was alert and came off his line to save.
Upfront, it took a while for the likes of Thamsanqa Gabuza to get going but his header from a Maela cross had the beating of Mhlongo with half time approaching.
The Chilli Boys fought hard for an equaliser against a Pirates side now sitting back.
Chippa seized the opportunity and started to dominate. Sredojevic responded by introducing Luvuyo Memela for Nyatama, but Chippa maintained their momentum.
Sandilands was called into action with 10 minutes left when he saved Sekola's glancing header.
Pirates were defending too deep but their defensive frailties may be a thing of the past.
They had the fourth worst defence last season - conceding 40 goals in 30 league matches - and were only better than relegated Highlands Park, who conceded 44. Golden Arrows also conceded 44.
Chippa continued to pile on the pressure and Pirates relied on counterattacks, but there were no goals in the second half.
Since Sredojevic's appointment earlier this month Pirates fans have been hopeful, but they didn't react too well earlier yesterday to the announcement that Matlaba will lead the team in the new season.
However, it would appear they may just be in good hands and ready for the gruelling season ahead.
Have the Buccaneers turned the corner? It would appear so based on their preparations for the new season and their winning start, but it's obviously too early to tell.
