Orlando Pirates are enjoying a purple patch in the cup games as they recently qualified for the MTN8 Final and progressing in the CAF Champions League preliminary stages. Having defeated Jwaneng Galaxy in their backyard in Botswana to avenge the defeat in the previous season’s CAF Champions League that knocked them out in the preliminary stages. This time they are well on course to proceed to the group stages and look to add the 2nd elusive star since their triumph in 1995. The team started the season well coming from the preseason camp in Spain, the mood in the camp is at an all-time high. The Buccaneers will be looking to carry the momentum into the Betway Premiership match tonight against Chippa United at Orlando Stadium.
Is this the Season Orlando Pirates Finally Breaks Sundowns’ 7 Year PSL Dominance?
Orlando Pirates has a great squad boosted by new signings with Gilberto and Thelente Mbatha who had a dream debut with Bafana scoring on debut and replicating the same feat in the 2nd match. There is quality all over with Deon Hotto, who is enjoying a new lease of life as a left wingback. His combination with Relebogile Mofokeng on the left flank is causing a lot of problems for the opposition. Hotto’s marauding runs from deep will need Chippa United wingers to stay alert to be able to track back and close the gaps. Orlando Pirates and Chippa have a good relationship which is seen by many players moving between the two camps. Other players may feel they have a point to prove against Orlando Pirates such as the offloaded striker Eva Nga and Craig Martin who now turn out for the Chilli Boys. Orlando Pirates are yet to win the league since 2012, which means all children currently in primary school have no memory of seeing Orlando Pirates winning the league, this has to change for the Happy People. It’s time Orlando Pirates translate the Cup into the league and finally stop the Mamelodi Sundowns dominance.
Jomo Sono, the ant and the elephant
Patrick Maswanganyi would like to prove to Jomo Sono that his analogy of referring to him as an ant, saying that you can’t compare Jomo the Elephant to Ants. That surely is expected to have ignited some fire in Maswanganyi as he is currently utilising the retired jersey number 10 in the CAF Champions League. The jersey has special memories for Jomo Sono and it feels like the legend is having non of it when it comes to questions of the jersey being reinstated from retirement and utilized by current players in the Betway Premiership. Many critics feel Bra Jomo is being unfair on the current generation as a lot has changed in football, we can’t compare players from different generations, his legacy lives on whether the number 10 jersey is retired or not. Maybe Orlando Pirates should consider naming the stand at the Orlando Stadium after him instead or other properties in his honour and let the number 10 jersey be used.
Can Chippa United Cause an Upset?
In football, you never know what happens on the day, anything is possible. Considering that Pirates have the CAF Champions League return leg fixture against Jwaneng on Saturday, this may prove to be a distraction that may result in Chippa taking advantage of, as players may be rested or others may look to avoid injuries to play the bigger game on the weekend. Chippa United coach Thabo September is looking to pick up points and please his trigger-happy paymasters as he knows that with any bad run he may find himself jobless. On the other hand coach Riveiro would want a good start to match the other title contenders who have started the season with wins.
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