Orlando Pirates have shown they have what it takes to challenge for the Premier Soccer League this season.
The Soweto giants have 21 points from a possible 24 after the initial eight games. Defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns – who have won the last seven editions, have collected as many points but with a superior goal difference.
They started the campaign with seven straight wins in South African top-flight football which is a club record.
The Buccaneers legend Eugene Zwane believes the Soweto giants are not yet there but have reduced the gap between them and the Brazilians.
Pirates have assembled a strong team but…
“Everyone wants to dethrone Sundowns at the top, and we’ve seen this season that Sundowns is a beatable team,” he stated.
“What counts in their favour [Sundowns ] is the depth in their squad; they don’t get affected with suspensions that much, they don’t get affected by injuries that much and loss of form. They can replace a top player with another top player.
“But Pirates is closing that gap from player to player. The coaches have managed to assemble a strong team that has a lot of depth and quality in every position,” Zwane added.
“I don’t think Orlando Pirates are now affected by injuries, suspensions or loss of form in their play. Therefore, they are closing the gap on Sundowns. They should just be consistent in their performances, and then success is going to come.”
A decade has passed since Pirates last won the PSL, but have won five trophies since the start of the 2022/23 season.
