Nomvethe issues stern warning to Pirates over PSL title decider 

Relebohile Mofokeng and Orlando Pirates players warming up before facing Durban City

Former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs striker Siyabonga Nomvethe has cautioned the Buccaneers against employing the tactics they used in last weekend’s Betway Premiership showdown against Durban City when they face Orbit College FC on Saturday.

The Soweto giants play their final match of the season against Orbit College at Mbombela Stadium, needing nothing short of maximum points to be crowned league champions. Victory would ensure Abdeslam Ouaddou‘s side clinch the PSL for the first time since 2012.

They go into Saturday’s match against the background of last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Durban City at Orlando Amstel Arena. It was a result which delayed them from being confirmed as Champions. 

Even after creating a glut of chances in that encounter, the Buccaneers were still found wanting in the final third and walked away without finding the back of the net. It is the kind of outing Nomvethe has warned against going into Saturday’s match, advising them to rethink the approach they took into the last game.

Speaking to FARPost, Nomvethe acknowledges that Pirates dominated proceedings but says we’re not well-coordinated in their attack. They now come up against relegation-threatened Orbit, who are second from the bottom on the table.

‘EVERYBODY WANTED TO SCORE’: NOMVETHE ON ORLANDO PIRATES’ APPROACH

Abdeslam Ouaddou conducting an Orlando Pirates training session
Abdeslam Ouaddou: Picture by Orlando Pirates

“It’s the last game, and there is nowhere to run away. They [Pirates] need three points. It’s a do-or-die match, and I believe they can make it,” Nomvethe told FARPost

“Pirates can come up with something from this match. Sundowns had an opportunity to win it a few weeks ago, but they lost points. So, it’s an advantage to Pirates as it is now.

“Nothing will motivate players more than seeing the finishing line. They can see the finishing line now and it makes them want it more.

“They did everything against Durban City. When you feel you are on the finishing line, you wanna go with 150kw. That was the problem against Durban City because everybody wanted to score, and they ended up missing those good chances.

“Nobody wanted to lose the game, and they even ended up not passing to those guys in good positions to score inside the box. That gave Durban City what they wanted which was to brag that they held Pirates. Durban City were not like that in other games this season.”

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