Why ‘you can’t be naive’ when playing Soweto giants: ‘It is always difficult’

Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane has praised Soweto giants Orlando Pirates for building an all-rounder team as opposed to having just one strong department.

Babina Noko have played the Buccaneers four times across all competitions this season and lost all. The most recent meeting was in the Nedbank Cup quarter-final where they lost by a solitary goal.

In the Premier Soccer League, the defending champions have played nine matches, won eight and drawn one.

What makes Pirates tough?

The Babina Noko tactician has praised the Soweto giants for their balancing in all the departments.

“My opinion? Pirates has many quality players; as a coach, you always know you will find it difficult to challenge them pound for pound, you always have to play them, knowing their strengths, because offensively they are a threat,” Zothwane conceded.

“You can’t be naive and play Pirates with high press, leaving space [in behind] you always have to be cautious, but again I say, it goes to the players, when they playing Pirates, do they respect the players more than themselves,” he further explained.

Pirates are a quality team

“If you are playing Pirates, you have to think about your team, your plans, what you want to do, you can’t be preaching about the threat always and not thinking about what we can do, our talent, execute the defined roles you must play,” he added.

“Maybe it’s overthinking and anxiety for players sometimes, but it depends on the game and the plans for us as coaches and the players.

“But they are a quality team and personally, for me? I feel we have players that can go pound for pound with Pirates, compete and win matches. It’s just unfortunate, when we come here [at Orlando Stadium], it’s always difficult to win,” Zothwane concluded.