The former Orlando Pirates captain believes the Betway Premiership title race has finally come alive again after Mamelodi Sundowns dropped points this week.
The Buccaneers boosted their hopes with a 2-0 victory over Stellenbosch FC at Athlone Stadium before Kaizer Chiefs held Sundowns to a 1-1 draw a day later in Tshwane.
The latest results have tightened the race significantly, with Sundowns sitting on 65 points from 28 matches while Orlando Pirates are only three points behind with a game in hand.
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LUCKY LEKGWATHI ENJOYING TITLE RACE
The Buccaneers legend says South African football needed a proper title challenge again after years of Sundowns dominating the league with games to spare.
“I think it’s everyone’s wish because of a team winning a league eight times in a row,” Lekgwathi said.
“They need a challenge. In the previous years, I think Orlando Pirates have been challenging Sundowns. But this year, it’s a different story. Winning a league with five to seven games to go, it’s boring.
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“But now, I think it’s going to go to the wire. And this is what I said. I even suggested that the PSL might need a helicopter on the final day to decide where the trophy will finally be delivered,” he added.
Lekgwathi recalled how dramatic title races used to unfold during his playing days, saying the uncertainty around the destination of the trophy made the league more exciting.
“I remember our time, it used to be like that, not knowing where it’s going, Pirates or other teams, and the helicopter would just go left and right.”
ORLANDO PIRATES BACKED TO FINISH STRONGLY
The former defender believes the Sea Robbers have enough quality and depth to handle the pressure during the remaining fixtures.
“For me, I think it’s just to take one game at a time for Pirates,” Lekgwathi continued.
“Obviously, in the end, if they make sure that they win their game on Saturday, they will be on the same points as Sundowns. And that is going to give them motivation going to the end.
Lekgwathi also praised the squad assembled by the club’s leadership, insisting Orlando Pirates are no longer dependent on individual players.
“But for me, I don’t see them losing any of the remaining games. I don’t see it with their performances, unless the coach comes up with another starting line-up or something.
“Looking at their team, no. The chairmen, Mpumi and Nkosana (Khoza), assembled a good team. People were saying they let this one and that one go, but Pirates is not a one-man team.”
He also singled out youngster Yanela Mbuthuma for praise after the forward continued to impress in recent appearances.
“People talk about Mbuthuma this and that, but the boy is playing his heart out,” Lekgwathi added.
“For me, I think it’s going to go to the wire. It’s in their hands, and I don’t see Orlando Pirates losing any of the remaining games when I analyse them.
“I don’t see them losing home and away. It’s going to be nice for them to have a chance of winning the league. Yho, I’m telling you, I don’t think we’ll sleep that night, if they win the league,” he concluded.
