Today’s Orlando Pirates news wrap looks at a tricky upcoming fixture and some mixed responses to Sipho Mbule’s stint so far.
Pirates can take themselves to the summit of the Betway Premiership by winning their two games in hand before Sundowns play next.
Will Mbule play a vital role?
Orlando Pirates prepare for Gavin Hunt test
The Buccaneers have fixtures at home to rock-bottom Chippa on 25 November and then a trip to Durban City on 29 November. All of that happens before Sundowns play their next league match, away to Siwelele on 2 December. That Durban City match is the toughest on paper. Gavin Hunt’s newcomers have made a great start, winning 19 points after 13 games. If Pirates win there, it would be a big statement of intent. However, dropped points would plant seeds of doubt. Gavin Hunt’s team have only lost one match at home all season, ironically, that was against his former employers, Kaizer Chiefs. This could be a critical juncture in the Betway Premiership title race.
Is Mbule overrated by Pirates fans?
The response to Mbule’s mini renaissance at Pirates is still mixed. Yes, a pair of assists against Zambia in a friendly is a good sign, but in the grand scheme of things, it’s a meaningless football match, and Mbule has yet to register a goal or an assist for his new club. As with most talented players, the 27-year-old is dividing opinion. One reader said this:
“Mbule isn’t a Master Chef; he would probably burn water”
Mbule has yet to register a single goal or assist for Pirates in 14 matches.