Orlando Pirates will have to fight off rivals Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs if they are to win the Betway Premiership this season.
The Buccaneers are second on the log but have two games in hand. Should they win their match against Sekhukhune United this weekend, they will restore their two-point lead at the top of the table.
That won’t be easy, given Babina Noko gave the Buccaneers their first defeat of the season. A draw or defeat won’t do much damage to their title charge but their advantage might be cut.
A win puts pressure on the chasing pack and allows Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men to play with more freedom.
How can Pirates fend off Sundowns and Chiefs?
One big advantage the Buccaneers have over their rivals is that they are not in any CAF competitions. They were eliminated in the second preliminary stages by St Eloi Lupopo.
This weekend, both Sundowns and Chiefs play CAF games, while Pirates play domestically. Fewer games for them means their stars will be fresh for their next fixtures, given that travelling is not a headache.
Their two games in hand allow them to be in the mix, knowing other teams can’t afford to slip. If Pirates can keep winning and have a game in hand, that will give them the belief that they can go on and win their first title in 14 years.
In February, Orlando Pirates play Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns in league matches. A win against the two teams will surely see them extend their advantage over their rivals but defeats could see them fall slightly behind.
Given the depth in their squad, the Buccaneers have no reason not to win this year’s Betway Premiership. They need to win their games in hand, defeat their rivals and remain consistent.