Orlando Pirates legend Sibusiso Zuma reveals how The Bucs can overcome Mamelodi Sundowns in the league
Orlando Pirates legend Sibusiso Zuma emphasises the importance of consistency for Pirates to challenge Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance in the Betway Premiership, highlighting the need for the team to perform consistently against all opponents to secure a championship. Seen here: Orlando Pirates player MC Nemtajela with the ball. Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
It’s not secret that Mamelodi Sundowns are far and away the most dominant team in South Africa, as their eight league titles in a row confirm.
However, their vice-grip on the Betway Premiership has to come to an end at some point. But the burning question for neutrals is: Has that time come?
Probably not, given the resources and squad quality of Sundowns.
If any team can challenge the mighty Sundowns though, it has to be Orlando Pirates. In fact, Pirates have finished second to Sundowns in the league the last three seasons in a row.
Sibusiso Zuma Emphasises Consistency for Pirates’ Success
Former Pirates player Sibusiso Zuma believes the key for Pirates is consistency.
“The problem I see is, we can win games like Sundowns, Chiefs, but can we beat Sekhukhune on a Wednesday? Those are very important games,” he told YouTube channel SoccerBeat.
“This is where, when I say they need to come together, perform week in, week out.”
Pirates made a slow start to their current league campaign, but after seven games they are now up to third in the table. Though they have lost twice already, they are yet to draw a match as they’ve won five games.
It means Pirates are on 15 points, six behind Sundowns but with three games in hand.
“There is championship material. You know the league is a marathon; you need to win from the beginning until the end,” Zuma continued.
“It’s not a huge problem [losing against ‘small teams’], it’s a matter of them coming together, working for each other, ‘Let me make you stronger where you are weak, so we can win this match’."