Orlando Pirates missed a massive chance to lift the Betway Premiership title after being held to a 0-0 draw by Durban City. Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and assistant Mandla Ncikazi have to engineer a win against Orbit College on Saturday.
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FORMER club captain Happy Jele believes Orlando Pirates’s attacking qualities and collective mentality could prove decisive as the Buccaneers prepare for a potentially title-winning showdown against Orbit College FC on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates head into the decisive Betway Premiership fixture at Mbombela Stadium knowing victory would hand them a first league crown in 14 years.
However, standing in their way is an Orbit side equally desperate for poFints as they continue battling to preserve their top-flight status.
Jele, though, believes the nature of the match could actually favour the Buccaneers.
“It’s very dangerous playing against a team that’s fighting for their lives because they have nothing to lose,” said Jele.
“But it’s gonna go to Pirates’ advantage because they’re gonna open up.”
The former defender explained that Orbit’s survival situation may ultimately force them into a more adventurous tactical approach than what Pirates faced during their frustrating goalless draw against Durban City FC last weekend.
“It’s going to be a good day for Pirates if it becomes an open game and unfortunately Orbit need to do that to have any chance,” he continued.
“But it won’t be as difficult for Pirates as it was playing against Durban City, a team that’s guaranteed their status but needed a draw to end up in the top eight.”
That tactical contrast could become critical in determining where the Betway Premiership trophy ends up.
Throughout the season, Pirates have consistently looked most dangerous whenever opponents have allowed space for their attacking players to transition quickly.
Jele believes that dynamic perfectly suits the current squad.
“We know what Pirates can do with their speed and they’ve shown it the entire season and if it becomes open, they’ll surely wrap it up,” he added.
The Buccaneers legend also drew strong comparisons between the current Pirates side and the squads he captained during the club’s successful league-winning years under Ruud Krol and Augusto Palacios.
Pirates last lifted the league trophy in 2012, when Jele formed part of a dominant generation that secured back-to-back championships.
Now, more than a decade later, he sees familiar qualities inside this current dressing room.
“There are a lot of similarities between our team and this one, even though it’s a different generation but the mindset and vision is the same,” explained Jele.
“The togetherness in this group is the same as it was with us when we won those league titles.”
However, Jele believes one major difference separates this current Pirates side from previous championship-winning teams.
“The only difference that I’ve realised is the fact that they don’t rely on one person to come up with a moment of brilliance,” he said.
“Different people have contributed at different times.”
That collective strength could now prove vital as Pirates attempt to navigate one final hurdle in their pursuit of league glory.