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The Buccaneers have grown accustomed to scoring at the end of this season’s games and are quickly becoming a team full of self-confidence and character.
The Orlando Pirates’ close 1-0 win over Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night contained several ingredients necessary for a championship-winning team.
For starters, the Bucs were getting into the game after last weekend’s jubilation to win the MTN8 trophy by beating Bloemfontein Celtic.
There was always going to be the worry of a ‘hangover’ and certainly there would be some tired legs just four days after the final in Durban.
So while the Pirates weren’t in their prime and struggled for pace and penetration against what must be said was a very good Chippa United defense, they were able to prevail thanks to Fortune Makaringe’s goal in the 86th minute.
It is often said in soccer that it is a good sign when a team can ensure victory even when they are not shooting at full blast.
It is also a very encouraging sign for Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer that his men, on numerous occasions already this season, have scored in the closing minutes of games.
Makaringe’s goal in 86 ‘was joined by a goal by Tshegofatso Mabasa in 87’ against SuperSport United, a goal on 78 ‘by Siphelele Ndlovu in a 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic and a draw in 90 ‘of Mabasa against Baroka FC.
Or put it this way, in four of the 10 games this season, the Pirates have shown great fighting spirit to ensure a positive result in the final minutes.
This suggests a strong sense of unity and self-confidence in the team, which would have received a huge boost with Saturday’s triumph at MTN8, a first trophy for the club in six seasons, as well as a prize of 8 million rand.
Also impressive has been the depth shown on the template. The Pirates have been able to continue producing results despite the injuries of key players, such as last season’s top scorer, Gabadinho Mhango, and Thembinkosi Lorch.
The Pirates’ bench is looking strong these days and it was the introduction of Terrence Dzvukamanja and Linda Mntambo, especially the latter, who provided the assist for Makaringe’s goal, helping the Sea Robbers cross the line in Soweto.
In closing, it is worth noting that it is still early and a lot can still happen. But with that said, the Pirates are quickly becoming the Mamelodi Sundowns’ top contenders.
And there may be some within the Buccaneers field who are aware that the last two times the club won the MTN8 trophy, in 2010 and 2011, they also won the league. As well as the Telkom Knockout and the Nedbank Cup (both in 2011).
