On what has held Pirates back.
Look, I know people point out many things that may have caused the lapse in the title race, but Orlando Pirates finished the 2018/19 season on a high, being placed second to Mamelodi Sundowns. That is something you build on and we saw them starting well in the early stages of the current campaign, but I personally think that their good start was spoilt by the chopping and changing of coaches. I can tell you now, that played a role in the team being where they currently are. In fact, it is the cause… it is the reason Pirates have not won a trophy yet this season. Micho (Milutin Sredojevic) had the team where he wanted it at the end of 2018/19, from the playing style to the organization. Everything was perfect and it was by virtue of luck, or lack thereof, that they did not win the league. He continued where he left off at the start of this season, but unfortunately, for reasons unknown to me, he left and that was the turning point for the team. That is when things started to go south for the team.
On the club’s current position on the log.
The margin in points is not that much if you look at it and the good thing is that Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns have a game against each other (coming up), Sundowns have to play Pirates and Chiefs have two games (to play) against Bidvest Wits. Even though you cannot bank on games that are not played and points that are not collected yet, these games might determine where the title goes. You must remember that the gap between the three teams is less than 10 points. As things are now, Chiefs lead Sundowns by four points, with Sundowns having played a game less than Chiefs, and Pirates by eight points, with Pirates having played a game more than Chiefs. There are games to play and a lot can happen. Pirates can still win the league depending on how Chiefs and Sundowns do. But, as a Pirates player and a supporter, it is never a nice feeling to be behind Chiefs and Sundowns.
On what he thinks has lacked.
Pirates were conceding a lot of goals at some point this season, but fortunately, after the arrival of the new coach (Josef Zinnbauer), all that has been sorted. They have managed to minimize the conceding of goals. I think it was confidence (that was lacking). I mean, look at some of the goals they have conceded. Their problem is confidence because if you look at the team that is playing now, it is basically the same team that was playing under Rhulani (Mokwena), but through winning games under Zinnbauer, they have since gained some confidence, which is why they no longer concede the way they used to. I also think losing the Soweto Derby three times in one season knocked the players’ confidence. Even though I have never lost three derbies in one season in my time, I am sure psychologically it hurts you as a Pirates player if you are going to lose to Chiefs three times. The derby is the biggest game in the league and no player wishes to lose it. It is one game that every player in the team looks forward to. The supporters, as well, lose bragging rights and it demoralise them. Fortunately, though, the Buccaneers faithful are genuine supporters who always stand by their team.
On areas to reinforce.
Look, there is not much that is needed in the team, but like any other team in the world, the squad does need to be refreshed. They will have to be careful on how they go about doing that, though, and not make wholesale signings. They have to look at the spine of the team – the goalkeeper, a central defender, a defensive midfielder and one prolific striker, someone who is a top finisher. Unfortunately, they might have to go beyond the borders for a top finisher because currently there is not much you can find locally in that position. They will have to take their time because they have (Gabadinho) Mhango doing well and there is also (Tshegofatso) Mabasa doing well whenever given a chance. If you want to have a strong team, you need a strong spine. Right now, I don’t think they have a strong spine.
On the trophy drought.
It is very sad for a big club like Pirates to go even more than one season without winning any silverware. Everyone associated with the club expects them to win something every season, especially with the type of players they have. You expect them to win at least one if they cannot win two trophies per season. For a team with everything, you need to win everything, and not winning trophies tells me that there is something wrong at Pirates. Even though I cannot put my finger on it at the moment, but there is something wrong with the team, whether it is from the management or the type of players they are signing are not mentally suitable to play for Pirates … I don’t know. I cannot really put my finger on it at the moment, but something is definitely wrong behind the scenes. I hope that they win something next season or get lucky and grab the league this season, but the fact of the matter is that the team has to win something soon.
Speedy recovery, Motshwari.
I read that one of the most outstanding players in the current Pirates team, Ben Motshwari, has tested positive for COVID-19. I wish him a speedy recovery. He keeps the shape of the team and hopefully by the time the league resumes, he will be fully recovered and ready to play again. This pandemic is real and our people really need to follow the lockdown rules as laid out by the government.
Condolences.
The sudden passing of Golden Arrows defender Nkanyiso Mngwengwe has shocked everyone. He was a good player and very strong. I hope his family and close relatives find comfort during this dark hour and may the young man’s soul rest in peace.
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