Orlando Pirates icon Eugene Zwane has highlighted the essential elements he believes the Soweto giants possess to clinch the 2024/25 Betway Premiership title.
The Soweto giants have consistently been touted as title contenders to rival Mamelodi Sundowns in recent seasons, but inconsistency has hampered their ability to challenge for the Premiership title. Their last league triumph came 14 years ago, under coach Ruud Krol, in the 2011/12 season.
While they’ve struggled in the league, Pirates have excelled in cup competitions since the arrival of Spanish coach Jose Riveiro in 2022/23. Dubbed “cup specialists,” they’ve claimed three MTN8 titles and two Nedbank Cups.
However, a recent 3-2 upset against newly promoted Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter-finals serves as a reminder of their occasional shortcomings.
Zwane hopes to see Pirates replicate their cup success in the league. The team has made a promising start this season, remaining undefeated after four matches and currently topping the DStv Premiership table with 12 points.
EUGENE ZWANE ON ORLANDO PIRATES’ CHANCES OF WINNING THE LEAGUE
Zwane believes that Pirates have the edge to win the league this season due to their strong squad depth, built over the past seasons to compete for titles.
“I think what Pirates have done in the last couple of seasons is to build a team that can compete,” Zwane told FARPost.
“If you look at the calibre of players that they have and that they have brought in, it’s players that have great determination, warriors that fight for the team.
“Well, there are times when they don’t play the best football. What’s important is that they are not conceding a lot of goals, and they are scoring more goals. That’s a sign of a championship team, a team that doesn’t concede goals and fight to win games.
“Also, they have a large pool of players who can sustain performance despite injuries and suspensions. They’ve done their preparations well, and they stand a chance [to win the league].”
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