PSL legend Lefa Tsutsulupa has offered his analysis of what Orlando Pirates need to improve to compete with Mamelodi Sundowns.
A second-place finish in the DStv Premiership and MTN8 and Nedbank Cup triumphs last season fueled Pirates’ ambitions for a dominant follow-up campaign under Jose Riveiro.
In addition, Sundowns’ continental adventure in the CAF Champions League and African Football League [AFL] gifted Pirates a golden window to pounce.
However, Pirates haven’t capitalised on the opportunity, failing to gain ground on Rulani Mokwena’s men in the league table.
The Buccaneers, in fourth place on the log standings, have collected 25 points in 15 matches so far. They have won seven games, drawn four and lost four times. On the other hand, Masandawana, who have three games in hand, have accumulated 34 points and are sitting pretty at the summit of the table. They have won 11 and shared the spoils once in 12 played matches.
And despite the Soweto giants’ inconsistent displays, former Moroka Swallows captain Tsutsulupa maintains that Pirates are too good and have too much talent in their squad to challenge Sundowns.
Nonetheless, he admitted that a “lack of consistency” cost Pirates to reach Sundown’s standards and any hope of lifting the DStv Premiership title.
TSUTSULUPA HIGHLIGHTS HURDLES IN PIRATES’ QUEST TO MATCH SUNDOWNS’ LEVEL
“The issue with Pirates is that they tend to draw or lose some games against the so-called small teams unnecessarily,” Tsutsulupa told FARPost.
“I personally think that the team that can give Sundowns a run for their money is definitely Orlando Pirates. They just need to be consistent in their games. If Pirates can try to beat the small teams now and then, the way Sundowns do, They have a chance to challenge them.”
The former Swallows midfielder maestro added: “Another thing is that a team like the Pirates must have a clear vision and make their players understand the vision.
“Sundowns’ vision was or is clear: they wanted to conquer Africa and have done well so far. So if Pirates can also do that, it can work for them.”
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Story by Clifton Mabasa
