Pirates’ secret weapon? Ex-Stellies video analyst narrates how he helped sink his former team 

Orlando Pirates’ MTN8 final win over Stellenbosch might have been orchestrated by a little-known man who was working with Steve Barker until as recently as three months ago.

Pirates beat Stellenbosch 3-1 thanks to goals from Monnapule Saleng, Tshegofatso Mabasa and Relebohile Mofokeng, who found the target after Lehlohonolo Mojela had broken the deadlock early.

It is now emerging that Pirates’ secret weapon might have been video analyst Dave O’Brien who moved from Stellenbosch to Pirates in July following the good season Barker’s men enjoyed in 2023-24.

O’Brien has revealed how his stint at Stellenbosch came in handy in preparations for the clash as he had to give away some inside information about them which proved crucial for Pirates.

Who was Pirates’ secret weapon against Stellies?

“It was a very emotional game for me, I did not want to give everything away but I had to because Pirates is my new home,” O'Brien told SuperSport TV.
“I want to win trophies, that is my desire. We all knew what kind of football they play but I said let me come with individual capabilities and what they play, long throw-ins, long goal kicks and who we have to look after and at the end of the day we controlled well and I am glad I could give my two cents and help us to another trophy.”

While he was doing his job, O’Brien opened up about how he found it strange to be giving away key details about the team he worked with and players who were so close to him as well as the emotions that went through his mind when Pirates won.

 Emotional moment for Dave O’Brien

“The preparations went well, it was very strange to give the info across because of course I want to win but at the same time it was odd that I am giving the info away but that is life,” he added.

“During the match, I did not want to celebrate, I kept it inside for my respect to Stellenbosch because thanks to them I am here now. A lot of credit goes to Stellenbosch amazing team, amazing structure from junior all the way up.”

Barker confirmed in July his delight at seeing his players and members of his coaching staff leave for greener pastures thanks to the good job the club from the Cape Winelands are doing.