Orlando Pirates find themselves at a critical juncture in their quest for glory. With Mamelodi Sundowns, the reigning champions, constantly looming in the background, the Sea Robbers must ensure they step up their game in an effort to apply constant pressure.
Sundowns have won the league for the last seven years – an unprecendented feat – and are undeniably the kings of the Premiership. Of course, it is easy to declare the team’s success is due to the deep pockets of club’s president Patrice Motsepe. But, perhaps, it’s not the only reason.
Sundowns haven’t been the best team in the land by chance. They’ve recruited the best players available, while also nurturing talent at Chloorkop. This pre-season alone, striker Arthur Sales was reportedly bought for more than R60 million, making him one of the most expensive players the club has ever acquired.
Kutlwano Letlhaku and Malibongwe Khoza, meanwhile, are fast becoming some of the best players the club has groomed in years. Although Letlhaku and Khoza have looked up to their seniors at Sundowns – including Themba Zwane and Khuliso Mudau – they’ve certainly taken things up a notch thus far.
The duo have made an impressive start under coach Miguel Cardoso’s tenure so far, making meaningful contributions in their wins in the Premiership and CAF Champions League. With the cub having mastered the art of juggling domestic and continental football dating back to the times of Pitso Mosimane, they can only get better.
Enter Cardoso. Mngithi’s successor has hit the ground running, winning both of Sundowns’ games in the league and on the continent, respectively, which has endeared him to the fickle masses. Cardoso arrived with an underwhelming CV, but he knows positive performances across all fronts, will secure his position.
Cardoso was certainly a case of, ‘if he beats us, then he’s good enough to coach us’. He was Esperance’s coach last season – the team that eliminated the Brazilians in the Champions League semi-final. Even so, the Portuguese coach and his team could be knocked off their perch by Pirates this season. The Sea Robbers, after a 13-year break, are favourites to annex the promised land.
Pirates had a brilliant start to the season – winning the MTN8 (for the third time in a row) and claiming victories in their first seven games of the league season before suffering a setback against Stellenbosch. If the Sea Robbers expected to contend for the title this season, they must close the three-point gap between them and the leaders at this critical juncture.
Pirates will return to domestic football early this week, where they’ll face host Marumo Gallants, while Sundowns will take on AmaZulu on Tuesday.
So, if Pirates know what they need to do to win the title, they’d better secure a win in their clash at home to Gallants. Or else, they run the risk of missing out on the league title yet again.