Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Lebogang Mothibantwa has made a bold prediction about the Buccaneers’ title prospects as the point gap at the top continues to widen.
Pirates are currently second on the Betway Premiership log standings, 18 points behind rivals Mamelodi Sundowns.
But the Soweto Giants have four matches in hand and can still close the gap to 6 points if they win all outstanding fixtures. They take on Chippa United on Wednesday, in the league, while Sundowns will travel to Golden Arrows.
WHY LEBOGANG MOTHIBANTWA DOESN’T BELIEVE PIRATES WILL CATCH UP RIVALS MAMELODI SUNDOWNS
“Look mathematical at this moment there is a slight chance. But knowing and respecting Sundowns’ experience, it will be very difficult for Orlando Pirates,” he told FARPost.
“Our team is on the right track if we keep the current crop for next season. Our coach has done a very good job this season so far. But consistency in the game is lacking. There are games we were supposed to win, but driven with excitement, our team was let down by complacency.
“What needs to be done is work on the endurance drive. That I thought was a concern to keep up on the higher level by keeping seasonal players that I see that are not pushing when the going gets tough,” said Mothibantwa, who is now coaching at Kimberly Saints in the Northern Cape.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TWO TITLE CHASING TEAMS?
“Sundowns have a pool of players that want to win every game. Even when they draw or lose a game, their response to the next game is very excellent. Their mental preparations done by their technical team are far beyond other teams. They have a lot of capacity in depth, and that is another stronghold that keeps Sundowns on top of other teams,” he said.
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