Orlando Pirates fans are now the PSL’s lone leaders after Mamelodi Sundowns’ suffered a shock defeat to Polokwane FC.
The last time the Buccaneers won their first five games was during their victorious 2002/03 season.
Adding to the Sea Robbers’ delight is Kaizer Chiefs’ 1-0 loss against SuperSport United a week after AmaKhosi put four past them to reach the next round of the Telkom Cup.
Orlando Pirates upcoming fixtures
Jose Riveiro’s side doesn’t have much time to process the results as they play tomorrow, making it their third game in seven days.
TS Galaxy vs Orlando Pirates – Tuesday, Oct 28, 19:30
Orlando Pirates vs Richards Bay – Friday, Nov 5, 19:30
CR Belouizdad vs Orlando Pirates – Tueaday, Nov 26, TBD
Something’s brewing in Soweto
“I think the team is getting mature, we show and the players show, this season they are really enjoying playing and that makes everything much easier,” Riveiro told Independent Media.
“So far they are really focused in each and every game, you never hear them talking about Champions League the next month, or the big games we’re going to play. It’s always about the next opponent when you hear the players in the locker room and [training].
“They are always talking about what’s coming or what we did the day before. It makes you feel that they are getting more mature as a group and they know what it takes to achieve what we want to achieve in the end, which is always the next… that makes me feel confident and very optimistic about this group.”
Sundowns’ collapse
The Brazilians recorded zero shots on target in what was arguably their worst showing of the year, and Manqoba Mngqithi first loss as coach.
Ironically, earlier in the week Mngqithi was publicly concerned about the Pirates roster, wondering whether it could compete until the last day of the season.
“I think I said it from the beginning in the launch that for me they are the team that’s going to be really pushing us,” the Sundowns’ manager told FARPost.
“I hope and pray they do have the depth to carry themselves during the group stages and the league because I think that’s where the separation will take place because I do believe they are a very good team.
“They tried to rotate the squad, unfortunately it did not work out very well in the Carling. But honestly speaking I think they are a team that will really pose a lot of problems.
“But I still maintain that they are a team that doesn’t do well against small teams. So far, they have really done well but let’s continue and see because that’s where I think maybe the championship will be decided.”
Do you think Orlando Pirates will win the PSL?
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