How Orlando Pirates mastered the art of consistency in their title charge

Orlando Pirates could clinch the Betway Premiership this season, completing a famous domestic treble for the first time since they were crowned league champions during the 2011/12 season.

Their rise to the top required the team to be at their best and quickly reset after setbacks. That’s why below we look at four areas that Pirates mastered in order to be in pole position to win the league.

Sharing responsibilities

Pirates have been one of the highest-scoring teams in the league this season, having netted 56 goals so far – a club best in the Premiership era.

Releasing striker Tshegofatso Mabasa on loan to Stellenbosch was expected to come back to haunt Pirates, but it appears that Abdeslam Ouaddou knew what he was doing by agreeing to the move.

They’ve impressively shared the scoring responsibilities, considering they haven’t had a lethal striker leading the charts, with their top scorer in the league, Relebohile Mofokeng, having scored only 10 goals so far.

Solid defensive wall

Goalkeeper Sipho Chaine recently broke a PSL record by keeping 19 clean sheets in a single league season. That spoke volumes about the rock-solid defence that has stood firmly in front of him and protected his goal.

Interestingly, that record has come amid a continuously reshuffled defence, with Lebone Seema being the only consistent player, while Nkosinathi Sibisi featured mostly in the second half of the season and Deon Hotto and Kamogelo Sebelebele moved in and out of the team.

A defender during his playing days, Ouaddou vowed that one of the areas he would strengthen in the team was the defence. He has done that with aplomb.

Simple, but elegant

Pirates’ spine has held the team together. That’s why there has been balance in both defence and attack this season.

Thalente Mbatha and Makhehleni Makhaula have rekindled the solid partnership they first built at the now-defunct Highlands Park years ago. As a result, they have complemented each other with ease.

Their replacements have also had to raise their levels whenever called upon, knowing that the foundation for a well-organised midfield display had already been laid.

The Ghost have supported

Pirates supporters, famously known as the Ghost, have rallied behind their team this season, selling out the rebranded Orlando Stadium and other venues across the country.

The energy and support they brought to Orlando turned the stadium into a fortress. As a result, Pirates only lost twice there all season – against Sekhukhune United and Mamelodi Sundowns.

Ouaddou admitted at times that some supporters disapproved of players who underperformed by booing them. However, he remained pleased with the atmosphere and backing they consistently provided.

A well-run technical team

Ouaddou’s decision to work with an already existing and largely locally born technical team has paid dividends.

Pirates continued to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor, Jose Riveiro, allowing the coaching staff to get the best out of the squad, with Relebohile Mofokeng reaching double digits in the league for the first time this season.

Goalkeeper coach Siyabonga Mpontshane has also stepped up impressively in the absence of Tyron Damons, who sustained injuries in the car accident involving the team earlier this season.