Thulasizwe Mbuyane credits Orlando Pirates for solid performances despite recent slump

Orlando Pirates legendary striker Thulasizwe Mbuyane says it would be disappointing for the team to finish as runners-up in the Betway Premiership, although they deserve plaudits for their campaign so far this season.

Pirates are currently second on the log with 55 points, one behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have a game in hand.

Given their dominance in recent years, including winning eight titles in a row, as well as their current streak of 10 consecutive league wins, Sundowns are highly expected to win the league title, which could see Pirates finish as runners-up for a fourth time in a row.

That outcome would be disappointing. Pirates had looked like potential champions, aiming to end a 14-year barren run after winning the first two domestic cup trophies – the MTN8 and Carling Knockout.

However, their season has been inconsistent in recent weeks. They crashed out of the Caf Champions League and the Nedbank Cup, and have blown hot and cold in the league, including a 2-2 draw with Richards Bay in their last match, after thrashing TS Galaxy 6-0 and Golden Arrows 5-0 respectively.

Speaking exclusively to Independent Media on Wednesday, Mbuyane – who won a back-to-back domestic treble with Pirates, including league titles in 2011 and 2012 – weighed in on the team’s progress so far this season.

“It would be disappointing if they lose out on the league title after so much work. Apart from that, the team has played very well,” Mbuyane said. “The coach has come in and made the team play good football.

“The players they’ve brought in are performing at national team level. They are raising the flag high there. So, I think it’s fair to rate them 80% out of 100%. The missing 20% is due to the fact that they’ve dropped points in the last few games where they shouldn’t have.

“Finishing second on the log won’t be that bad. We can still qualify for Africa, so they need to cement their top-two spot. It won’t be easy for both Pirates and Sundowns.”

With games coming thick and fast, and crunch time separating contenders as every point counts, Mbuyane explained why no match is easy.

“You have to understand that the other teams also go into matches aiming to win,” Mbuyane said. “They are not going there to donate points. They want to perform and show that they deserve to be there.

“Obviously, in every game that you play – especially if you are Pirates – teams come up against you wanting to prove a point. Either they want to disappoint the team, or they want to impress and be signed. So, they go out and fight.”

A large part of Pirates’ recent lukewarm run has been blamed on Abdeslam Ouaddou, who has continued to back the misfiring Yanela Mbuthuma as his first-choice No. 9 ahead of Evidence Makgopa.

While Ouaddou has defended Mbuthuma from disgruntled fans, Mbuyane has called for more support from both the coach and the players going forward.

“I still feel that they could protect Mbuthuma more. Before the crowd turns on him, the coach must protect the boy and give the senior players a chance to step up,” Mbuyane said.

“He must keep his head held high. Obviously, he’s being judged on goals, but the goals will come. He must continue working hard.”

Mbuyane explained that one way Ouaddou could ease the pressure is by starting Mbuthuma on the bench.

“What they are looking for in a striker is goals, and when Makgopa comes in, he scores. So why not start Makgopa and introduce the boy gradually?” Mbuyane said. “You just have to give him the belief to say, ‘boy, you’ve got what it takes’. If he scores one, that will open a lot of doors for him.”

Pirates will host AmaZulu at Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday night (6pm kick-off) as they look to keep the pressure on Sundowns. Mbuyane says they need to win the match convincingly.