Orlando Pirates legend Steve Lekoelea believes Buccaneers supporters were more desperate to see the club win the league title than the players themselves.
The former Pirates midfielder, affectionately known as “Chippa”, feels the pressure mounted on the squad during crucial stages of the campaign.
Lekoelea pointed to the disappointing draws against Richards Bay and Durban City, saying the results exposed a lack of experience within the team.
Speaking to Lebohang Mokoena on Soccerbeat, the two-time league winner said the expectations from supporters may have weighed heavily on the players.
Pirates legend says Bucs players are feeling pressure
“Yes, I agree,” said Lekoelea when asked whether Pirates fans wanted the trophy more than the players.
“After that 2-2 draw with Richards Bay, the players’ body language was off because they thought they would win the game. It seems the supporters want the league more badly than the players.
“That pressure from the supporters rubbed off on the players. They could feel it and it became heavy on them.
“The Durban City game was simple, they just needed one goal,” the Pirates legend said.
Lekoelea also questioned coach Abdeslam Ouaddou for starting Yanela Mbuthuma ahead of Evidence Makgopa during the closing stages of the season.
“Seven games before the end of the season, he started with Mbuthuma, and Mbuthuma still lacks experience. This is a big team and he still has a lot to learn. He should be introduced in the second half.
“We need an experienced striker like Makgopa, who is also an asset to the national team,” the Pirates legend added.
Lekoelea was part of the Orlando Pirates teams that won the league titles in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 seasons.
