Orlando Pirates can eye league glory as former star Edward Motale backs their title bid
Orlando Pirates are poised for a strong title challenge in the Betway Premiership, with former star Edward Motale backing their bid after their early exit from the Caf Champions League, as they aim to secure two trophies this season. Picture: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
Image: Itumeleng English/ Independent Newspapers
It’s no secret that Orlando Pirates would desperately want to win the Betway Premiership, and one former Buccaneer believes that this could finally be the season that the Soweto Giants do it.
Mamelodi Sundowns have won the last eight league titles in a row, and are not expected to stop winning top honours any time soon.
If there is a challenger to their throne, however, it has to be Pirates.
Pirates have finished runners-up to Sundowns for the last three seasons in a row, and former Buc Edward Motale has faith in his former club following their early exit from the Caf Champions League.
Pirates aim for two trophies after Champions League exit
“The Champions League is gone, and all we have to do now is focus on the Carling Knockout and winning the league,” Motale told SportsBoom.co.za.
“While elimination [from the Champions League] helps in terms of playing fewer matches and staying fresh, Pirates were supposed to go all the way to the final. But all the focus needs to be on the other competitions and ensuring they win them.”
Pirates also just advanced to the final of the Carling Knockout, meaning they could still win two titles this season.
“I could add just another trophy and for me it would be a good season,” said the 59-year-old.
In the league, Pirates are in second place on 22 points after 10 matches. Sundowns are three points ahead on 25, but have played two games more.
Though games in hand are not won on paper, it’s still a rather handy position to be in for Pirates.
“Two trophies this season would be great success. Every coach in the league is under pressure to deliver results because everyone wants to win. He [Abdeslam Ouaddou] has a big squad and very good players, he has 40-plus players, and you need to rotate them. Different games bring different challenges, and with the opposition he faces there is a need for different players.”