AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane has detailed why he believes title-chasing Orlando Pirates currently set the gold standard as the best team in South African football.
Pirates took a two-point lead in the Betway Premiership title chase after thrashing AmaZulu 3-0 at Orlando Amstel Arena this past Saturday. The Soweto giants leapfrogged Mamelodi Sundowns to take the top spot on the league table with 58 points in 25 games, while Downs are sitting second with 56 points and two games in hand.
The Soweto giants have been in devastating form of late, delivering ruthless performances in the final third and securing victories by massive margins. The Buccaneers have plundered 16 goals in their last four outings, headlined by the 6-0 and 5-0 demolitions of TS Galaxy and Golden Arrows, respectively. However, recent stalemates against Siwelele and Richards Bay FC have handed the initiative back to Mamelodi Sundowns. The Tshwane giants now have the opportunity to open a four-point lead at the summit should they win their two games in hand.
In what has become a pulsating title race, Pirates have recorded 18 wins, four draws, and just three defeats. Statistically, the Sea Robbers have been the most dominant force in the final third, netting a league-high 50 goals. Their attacking prowess is matched only by their defensive resilience, as they currently boast the best defensive record in the league with a mere 11 goals conceded.
WHAT ARTHUR ZWANE SAID ABOUT ORLANDO PIRATES
As Pirates chase their first league title since 2012, the Sea Robbers have earned high praise from Zwane, who has labelled them the premier side in South Africa.
The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor cited the Buccaneers’ tactical flexibility and superior individual brilliance as the key factors that currently set them apart from their PSL rivals.
“What makes Pirates difficult [to face] is their tactical flexibility; it’s unstoppable. I’m a fan of those. I’ve always been a coach who likes players that can play as number 10s, wingers, or a top man,” Zwane said.
“It causes a lot of confusion and unlocks opponents; they have mastered that. They know when to overload, how to overload. And it’s their strength. This is where the modern game is. It’s not about the size of the players, but the dynamic players you have.
“They are very dynamic. When they overload with full-backs, they are very comfortable. So, anyone from Pirates can score at any given time. They don’t rely only on the strikers to score goals, and they keep the ball very well; they shape it nicely inside the box because they know how to use players like [Yanela] Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa.
“So the identity is there, and that’s the reason they are the best team in the country right now,” concluded Zwane.
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