With Mamelodi Sundowns clinching the PSL title by a significant 23-point margin over second-placed Orlando Pirates, former Bucs captain Lucky Lekgwathi has pinpointed the key to closing the gap on the champions: stability within the squad.
In an exclusive interview with Soccer Laduma, Lekgwathi emphasized the need for continuity and consistency at Pirates, both in terms of player signings and on-field performance. He argued that the frequent changes in the team's lineup have hindered their ability to consistently challenge teams of Sundowns' calibre.
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"I think the team has been lacking consistency both in signing players and keeping them at the team as well as in playing, game in game out. Of course, it will happen if you change so many players at the start of the season that you will chop even the team that ended the season with you. If we can avoid changing and chopping the dressing room we can easily compete with Sundowns," Lekgwathi told the Siya crew.
The legend further suggested that while bringing in new talent is necessary, it should not disrupt the team's core nor its established culture.
"Even if we are signing new players they should not be too many that we change the system and the culture of the team. We should keep the core of the team and just add where needs be necessary. That way we will maintain the team and be able to give Sundowns a run for their money," Lekgwathi believes.
He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a consistent lineup across matches, noting Pirates' successes against Sundowns in the season, including a victory in the MTN8 final and commendable performances in league encounters.
"If you look at this season we are one of the team that gave Sundowns some problems. We beat them in the MTN8 final and did well against them in the league as well. So, if we can maintain that consistency for 10 or more games with the same winning team then we can fight for the league next season and that's what we have to aim at. We should stop changing and chopping for the team to do well," he concluded.
Lekgwathi's insights shed light on the strategic adjustments needed at Pirates to enhance their competitiveness. By fostering stability and building on the team's existing strengths, Pirates could indeed pose a stronger challenge to Sundowns' dominance in the coming seasons.
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