Why Chiefs and Pirates are struggling to end Sundowns’ stranglehold
Former Buccaneers defender Innocent Chikoya says lack of patience has been Kaizer Chiefs’ and Orlando Pirates’ biggest undoing in the quest to end Mamelodi Sundowns‘ stranglehold.
Chikoya believes the Soweto giants have always had the right personnel to win the domestic title.
The 2002/03 Premiership title winner with pirates attributes the lack of success to the clubs’ leaders’ impatience with both players and coaches.
Pirates last won the league title in 2011/12, while their arch-rivals, Chiefs, last accounted for the 2014/15 title.
“All that is needed is a bit of patience because if we are, to be honest, they [Chiefs and Pirates] have always had top players with winning experience,” Chikoya told FARPost.
PATIENCE IS THE KEY…
“In fact, they are good at these transfers, but something just goes wrong along the way. A bit of patience from everyone, including the leadership, can see them winning what they want.
He added: “The Mamelodi Sundowns project was built on patience and focus; that’s why they have been cruising unchallenged.
“Good results always come when every part of the team shares the same mentality with focus and patience.”
The 52-year-old is the first to admit that coach Arthur Zwane has reinvented Chiefs to be the dreaded juggernaut that they used to be.
For Pirates, Chikoya is impressed by how they have quickly adapted to Jose Riveiro’s philosophy.
“This is honestly a first in as many seasons that they have shown what they are capable of. The coach from Spain has brought back the team’s flair,” he said.
“Even as former players, we are believing. It’s a perfect scenario for the team. He [Riveiro] got the players’ buy-in.
“It’s a situation where the players are in connection with the coach’s philosophy. If you notice, there were not many changes from last season, but it’s the coach that gave the team confidence to believe in themselves.
“This season, they have already won something, which is a good start for them believing again.
“Of course, it’s too early to call, but it’s clear that there are better strides ahead of the current Pirates team.”
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