Orlando Pirates are now one win away from ending a 14-year wait for the Betway Premiership title, and club legend Lucky Lekgwathi believes the power to seize it lies solely with the players.
Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy, the Buccaneers have been handed a golden opportunity to leapfrog the Brazilians. With two matches in hand and a superior goal difference, a victory over Durban City FC at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday [15:00] will mathematically crown the Sea Robbers as champions.
Lekgwathi, the last man to captain Pirates to a league title, has urged the current squad to take total ownership of the moment. He insists that while tactical preparation is essential, the hunger to finish the job must come from within the dressing room.
Speaking to FARPost, Lekgwathi emphasised that this weekend’s clash must be treated with a “cup final” mentality. He argues that in high-stakes matches of this magnitude, the senior leadership must drive the team across the finish line.
LUCKY LEKGWATHI MENTIONS ORLANDO PIRATES’ SENIOR PLAYERS
“I am excited and looking forward to Saturday,” Lekgwathi told FARPost. “It won’t be an easy game, but the good thing is that we will be at home at the Orlando Stadium. “This is the type of game where Pirates must not rely too much on the coach [Abdeslam Ouaddou. The coach only takes 10%; 90% must come from the players thinking for themselves.”
He added: “This is where the senior players must come to the party. For a team to win crucial games like this, the senior players must step up and embrace their roles. They must lead by example. Everyone on the field must be driven by them.
“The senior players need to make the coach’s job easier. I know they have been winning games, but now they must do it when it matters most. Captain, my captain, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Deon Hotto and Makhehleni Makhaula. I am happy with the way they have been leading the youngsters. They are pushing them and reminding them of the importance of playing for a team of this magnitude.”
‘THEY WANT TO WIN THE LEAGUE AFTER 14 YEARS OF DISAPPOINTMENTS’
“Senior players push young players to die for the badge and make them understand the weight of history the club carries,” Lekgwathi continued.
“It is a must-win for Pirates if they want to win the league. I see them winning both of the remaining games [against Duran Cty and Orbit College FC]; I don’t see them dropping any points. They want to win the league after 14 years of disappointments.
Lekgwathi also said Pirates had challenged Sundowns in previous seasons but ultimately fell short, adding that those disappointments had served as a learning curve for the team.
“We are looking forward to going to the Orlando Stadium. We can’t wait to celebrate. I have full faith and confidence in Bakajuju!” Lekgwathi concluded.
RELATED STORY: TS Galaxy upset Sundowns to hand Pirates upper hand in the title race