Rivaldo Coetzee: Lack of clinical striker could cost Orlando Pirates the title

Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Rivaldo Coetzee believes Orlando Pirates’ lack of a consistent goal-scoring striker could ultimately prove decisive in this season’s tightly contested title race, with the two sides continuing to push each other all the way.

While Mamelodi Sundowns remain on course to secure a record-extending ninth league title,  Pirates are chasing their first crown since 2012. After taking early control of the race, the Buccaneers have since seen their advantage slip due to inconsistent form in the latter stages of the campaign.

Just one point separate the sides heading into the international break, with the Nedbank Cup also set to take centre stage soon after. The title race remains wide open, and the pressure is expected to intensify once league action resumes early next month.

Sundowns will have it a bit harder as they must also balance their domestic ambitions with their Caf Champions League commitments, as they look to end a near decade-long wait for a second continental title — particularly after falling just short in last season’s final.

Despite the looming distraction, they are well versed in dancing across multiple fronts without losing their rhythm. Pirates, however, may find their fate no longer entirely in their own hands, forced to watch and hope for a stumble from their rivals to reignite their control in the title race.

Coetzee, who enjoyed success at Sundowns under Pitso Mosimane and Rulani Mokwena, believes Pirates have arguably been the standout side this season but insists their lack of a clinical finisher has cost them.

“This season Pirates have been very good,” Coetzee said, on SmashSports.

“They have been the best team of the season so far, considering the signings they made at the start of the season and how many of those signings are playing; it is not an easy thing to do.

“They need a striker that scores goals. If you look at Sundowns over the last few years, they have always had a striker who will score 15 goals or close to 20 in a season. Of course, you will have other players chipping in, but you need that reference point — your number nine who will get you those goals.”

Looking at his former side’s progress, the 29-year-old feels Sundowns have moved past their sluggish start and cautioned that once they hit their stride, they are incredibly difficult to stop.

“Sundowns started very slow, but once they gain momentum, you are in trouble,” he continued.

“If they start winning two or three games in a row, the bus starts moving, and once they get rolling, it is very difficult to stop them. It was said that the guys were at the Fifa Club World Cup and were tired, which is why they started slowly, and you never know what happens behind the scenes — those things can affect performances.”

Miguel Cardoso and his chargers have since progressed to the Champions League semi-finals for a fourth successive season after edging Stade Malien 3-2 on aggregate. Looking back at last season’s final defeat, Coetzee stressed the importance of being clinical in key moments.

“We had come so close over the last eight years. Coming that close in a final, we should have won it, considering the squad we had. But obviously, this is football — if you do not take your chances in these games, you will find yourself in trouble.”

* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch