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Slim Kat: What I Appreciate About Pirates In Title Race

Slim Kat: What I Appreciate About Pirates In Title Race

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - OCTOBER 22: Orlando Pirates during the Betway Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and SuperSport United at Orlando Stadium on October 22, 2024 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)

Orlando Pirates have been urged to make their points count very early in the Premiership title race, as the reason why Mamelodi Sundowns could peak late or crumble has been revealed.  

Pirates are the only side yet to drop points after winning all their six league games and find themselves with a rare opportunity of being three points ahead of second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns

After two seasons under Jose Riveiro, who has won all the domestic cups on offer since then, bar the Carling Knockout, the Soweto giants look to have finally found their missing ingredient for consistency in the league.

The missing ingredient could have been that the Buccaneers players have built that telepathy and understanding, under the same coach and finally reaping the rewards. 

READ: Nkota's Rise At Pirates: 'Give Credit Where It Is Due'

However, for Sundowns, after the departure of former head coach Rulani Mokwena, it appears they are still trying to find their feet after Manqoba Mngqithi introduced a new style of play and has so far preferred rotating the players - which has affected their rhythm.

According to former Kaizer Chiefs and Pirates coach Muhsin Erturgal, the Tshwane giants are not really convincing so far in the season due to rotation and change of coaches.

"At this point in time, you look at Sundowns, at the moment they are not really convincing, they are still not finding the tactical side, the right balance, the right rhythm into the team," Ertugral said on SoccerBeat YouTube Channel.

READ: Two PSL Clubs Join Race For Pirates Forward

"A team plays with certain patterns, certain players need to understand blindly, I call it automatism, in your subconscious mind, when you receive a ball, when you start thinking, it's already a pass. You can do it in under two seconds, receiving and passing," Ertugral said.

Former Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs also believes Sundowns changing coaches and looking a bit vulnerable at the moment gives Ezimnyama a good opportunity. 

"What I appreciate is they kept the coach, his philosophy has been great and we're looking like a great force going forward and as a collective," Josephs said on SoccerBeat.

"With Sundowns buckling a bit, we must remember Sundowns have changed coaches but they still have the philosophy and culture, but it definitely gives us the Buccaneers confidence that there's a possibility, because they looked invincible but now when you look at the crack, that should give us confidence," Josephs suggested. 

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