Orlando Pirates legend warns of one problem that could derail title push

Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs is concerned by the lack of enough push from supporters towards Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team.

Pirates are in a tight title race with Mamelodi Sundowns which sees them top of the standings with 48 points from 21 matches, one more than the Brazilians, who have played a game less.

The Buccaneers missed a chance to go three points clear following a 1-1 draw with Siwelele FC on Saturday, meaning Sundowns can move to 50 points if they beat Marumo Gallants on Tuesday.

Oswin Appollis and Kamogelo Sebelebele of Orlando Pirates. Photo: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates fans slammed

However, Josephs feels the players were left on their own by the fans as they lacked the support to drive them forward, which would perhaps have led to a victory and not the draw.

“When we needed our supporters, they were not there for us,” a frustrated Josephs said on SoccerBeat. “We needed the extra push because clearly the changes that we made in [Sipho] Mbule, was not going to give us the push that we needed.”

⚽️ Moeneeb notices problems with Pirates fans & players ⚽️

Moeneeb Josephs reacts to the ongoing tension between Orlando Pirates supporters and the players ☠️⚽️

📺: https://t.co/JkWjKU0dfa #Amstel #OrlandoPirates #GoldenHour #AirMobile #BetwayPrem #AbsaFootballFridays pic.twitter.com/V59mRMNraC
— SoccerBeat (@SoccerBeatZA) March 15, 2026

“So we needed the push from the crowd but because of an incident that happened last week affected that whole camaraderie and when they [players] needed the push…our stadium was full today but you could not even hear them so there is a disjoint as well there so when we needed them to be the drive behind us, it wasn’t there,” added the former Pirates goalkeeper.

What changes does Josephs want?

Josephs, who was part of the Pirates team that won their last PSL title in 2012, feels a lot needs to change in terms of attitude from the players and supporters, if they have to end their 14-year drought.

“I think we just need to get our heads back a little bit more and start taking stock because somehow, we are starting to lose our focus on what is the important thing and what is needed as a team as supporters, be it players,” he further stated.

“When we lose then all these little issues come out but it is an important part of the season and it is frustrating.”