‘Truly a powerhouse’ – Sports Minister lauds Orlando Pirates for making PSL unpredictable

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‘Truly a powerhouse’ – Sports Minister lauds Orlando Pirates for making PSL unpredictable
Evidence Makgopa and Makhehlene Makhaula of Orlando Pirates celebrate a goal against Stellenbosch FC. Image: Orlando Pirates

Orlando Pirates have earned praise from Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie for making the PSL title race competitive this season.

Pirates are locked in a neck-and-neck race with Mamelodi Sundowns so much so that with three matches remaining, it is not clear who will lift the crown.

Pirates’ cause was aided greatly by bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs, who held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, handing the Buccaneers a chance to move top of the table, on goal difference, if they win their game in hand.

Sports Minister in awe of Pirates and fans

Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie.

That would make up for an exciting final two games of the season, something not witnessed in recent years, as Sundowns have been running away with the title with a number of games to spare.

While congratulating Pirates director Mpumi Khoza for doing a splendid job at the club, McKenzie also reserved praise for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team as well as their supporters for making the league exciting.

“I was congratulating him in leading the continuing rise of @orlandopirates, he is doing a splendid job, Pirates supporters are filling up stadiums, it’s truly a powerhouse. He is truly his father’s son,” McKenzie posted on social media while responding to a fan comment.

Buccaneers could end 14-year title drought

“Pirates is making our league unpredictable which is great,” the Minister further stated.

Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates against Stellenbosch - Image: Pirates
Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates against Stellenbosch – Image: Pirates

Pirates, who have 62 points, have already surpassed their PSL record of points of 61, but still not certain of winning the title, showing the high standards Sundowns have set, and which the Soweto giants will need to match if they want to win a first league title since 2012.

With matches against Magesi FC, Durban City and Orbit College, Pirates need maximum points and could end the season top of the tree and end Sundowns’ run of eight straight league titles.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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