Orlando Pirates legend Sibusiso “Rhee” Zuma feels the Soweto giants finally have the squad to end their 13-year league title drought.
According to the Durban-born legend, the key won’t just be talent; instead, consistency and teamwork will decide the Buccaneers’ season.
The season didn’t start smoothly. Back-to-back losses to Sekhukhune United and Marumo Gallants had fans calling for coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s head.
ORLANDO PIRATES BACKED TO CHALLENGE MAMELODI SUNDOWNS FOR THE BETWAY PREMIERSHIP TITLE
In response to the rocky start, the Moroccan quickly turned things around, guiding the team to five straight league wins and defending the MTN8 title for the fourth time in a row.
Zuma is particularly impressed with the new-look midfield. Signings like Sipho Mbule, Sihle Nduli, Masindi Nemtajela, Abdoulaye Mariko, and promotion of Cemran Dansin have strengthened a department that was thin last season.
For Zuma, the improvements give Pirates the right tools to finally challenge for the Betway Premiership crown.
“I think Orlando Pirates have all the pieces they need to try and get the championship,” Zuma told the Soccerbeat Podcast. “The Cups are great, but the fans and even the legends want the league title.
“They have the IQ in midfield, amazing quality on paper, now they just need to get it together on the pitch.”
While Zuma acknowledges Pirates haven’t been prolific in front of goal, he believes creating more chances will allow strikers like Tshegofatso Mabasa to find the net.
He also stresses the importance of consistency, particularly against so-called smaller teams. “We can beat Sundowns and Chiefs, but can we take care of Sekhukhune on a Wednesday? That’s where the league is won, week in, week out. The PSL is a marathon.”
The legend also flagged the need for more competition up front, saying Pirates rely heavily on Mabasa and Evidence Makgopa. [Yanela Mbuthuma put his hand up with a brace against Lioli FC in the CAF Champions League last weekend.]
