Ex-defender reveals Pirates’ secret weapon to win league next season

Published on by Nkosiyabuya Sithole

A former Orlando Pirates defender has revealed the club’s secret weapon to win the Betway Premiership next season.

The Buccaneers last won the league in the 2011/12 season, when it was still known as the ABSA Premiership. Meanwhile, champions Sundowns have won the title seven times consecutively.

The Sea Robbers won Nedbank Cup and MTN8 twice each in the last two seasons since the arrival of Jose Riveiro. The Spanish tactician joined the Soweto giants at the beginning of the 2022/23 campaign.

Pirates legend Edward Motale expressed satisfaction with the current coach. He believes Orlando Pirates can capitalize on the coaching changes at Chiefs and Sundowns, suggesting potential instability at those clubs.

PIRATES LEGEND ON WHY BUCCANEERS STAND CHANCE TO WIN THE LEAGUE

“If you look at the three big teams, only Pirates haven't changed their head coach,” Motale said in an interview with Soccer Laduma.

“Yes, the assistant coach left but Mandla Ncikazi is there and he has been working with the coach for the past two seasons while he has been there for close to four seasons. 

“That continuity will help Pirates over Sundowns and Chiefs. Those two will be trying to adjust and learn new ways of doing things as the technical teams try to figure things around. 

“So, that instability at Sundowns and Chiefs is a good advantage for Pirates this season.

“The camp in Spain was really helpful to the new players to get used to how things are done at the team. 

“They spent the whole pre-season with the team and that works well for the whole squad as now they know how to play with each other in a game situation. 

“It also gave the coaches the chance to assess which combinations they can use in different games. So this season promises to be a good one for Pirates.”

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Nkosiyabuya Sithole

Nkosiyabuya Sithole, a young and rising sports journalist based in Durban, South Africa, harbors a deep passion for football. Nevertheless, he aspires to become a well-rounded journalist, adept in various areas of the field.

Nkosi's career began in 2020, working as a home-based writer during the COVID-19 pandemic. He has since written for various websites, including Briefly News, FiND-iT News, and The South African. Attending live sporting events is a particular pleasure for him, as they provide opportunities for interaction with sports personalities.

Outside of the office, he's a God-fearing and affable young man.