Orlando Pirates have been the most improved team in 2023, based on the recently-released DStv Premiership Q3 log table.
Pirates came into this season with a newly assembled technical team led by Spaniard Jose Riveiro.
Mandla Ncikazi, who was a co-head coach alongside Fadlu Davids in the previous season, was demoted to assistant coach. Davids left at the end of his contract and is currently in charge of Maritzburg United.
Even though the expectations were high for Pirates going into the new season, their start wasn’t ideal.
WHY PIRATES IS THE MOST IMPROVED TEAM IN 2023
In the first half of the season, with just 15 games played, the Buccaneers won only five, drew four, and lost six.
Even though they won the MTN8 Cup just before the FIFA World Cup, this was not the form they wanted. However, in 2023, Pirates’ form book has looked relatively impressive.
According to the latest DStv Premiership Q3 log table, Pirates are second, just four points behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
Riveiro’s charges won six out of the eight games played. They only lost two games to their biggest rivals in the league, Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
BUCS’ PLAYERS CONTRIBUTING TO THE CURRENT FORM
Monnapule Saleng has been the standout player for Bucs. The 25-year-old has the highest goal contribution in the team.
In just the league, the speedy winger has a goal contribution of 12. He has eight goals and four assists to his name.
Former Bloemfontein Celtic goalie Sipho Chaine has also been sensational. The 26-year-old has kept four clean sheets in the last nine games.
He has only conceded seven goals, with an average of one goal conceded per game.
Miguel Timm, in his first season with Pirates, has also been the most influential player in Pirates’ midfield, both in attack and defensively.
His performances at Pirates have even earned him a Bafana Bafana call-up.
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