"Pirates have now proven that they can be consistent" Tebogo Moloi


By Neo Poho

Orlando Pirates Legend Tebogo Moloi has praised the Buccaneers great recent form in the DSTV Premiership after claiming a third consecutive victory during the past weekend.

Pirates won 2-0 against Marumo Gallants at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium courtesy of goals by Monnapule Saleng and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo.

Speaking to Moloi ahead of the much anticipated clash of the titans between Pirates and Sundowns over the weekend at the Orlando Stadium, the legend has mentioned that the team is oozing with confidence and that is what is needed for a team like Pirates.

"I believe Pirates has now proven to the fans and everyone that they can be consistent and win matches, after winning the three games in a row they have now also proven that they can bring in the results," Moloi said.

It goes without saying that the clash against Sundowns is a big one that will also test if Pirates' recent form is a fluke or not.

The sides head into the encounter with Pirates seeking for revenge after going down to Sundowns 2-0 earlier on this month. 

Despite the past results Moloi seems to have been unshaken by that, backing Pirates to beat Sundowns and end the 14 match winning streak.

"It is very important for Pirates to defeat Sundowns this time because that will send a message that they are back and they can compete against Sundowns and the victory is also important in regards with qualifying for the CAF Champions League next season," said Moloi

With Pirates having already defeated Sundowns last year in the MTN 8, Moloi believes that if Jose Riviero and his charges can apply more/less the same approach going into the weekend's encounter then that will put them on the front foot.

Pirates defeated Rhulani Mokwena's charges 3-0 in the second leg of the MTN 8 last at the Peter Mokaba Stadium after the team drew 0-0 in the first leg at Orlando Stadium.

"The archives are there, they know what to do to beat Sundowns, it will take the same determination, concentration and the will to want to win that will determine whether Pirates will win or not"

Moloi also believes that Andile Jali might be the difference between the two sides, "Rhulani Mokwena is intelligent, he knows when and how to use Andile Jali especially when it comes to such an encounter, Jali is an experienced player and a man for the big occasions on and off the field he is very influential so I would advise Pirates to neutralise him at all costs," the 54 year old said.

The former Pirates player has also halted the praises around newly appointed forwards coach Scott Chickelday saying that Chickelday shouldn't be given his flowers as yet.

"I would suggest that we wait before we shower Chickelday with accolades ... lets wait for the game against Sundowns because this is the biggest test for the forwards against a very good defence so let's not rush into saying Chickelday has done well as yet,"

Since the arrival of Chickelday, Pirates have managed to score nine goals in three DSTV Premiership matches and Chickelday has expressed his delight in Pirates ending the scoring drought.

Moloi likened the situation with Benni McCarthy being appointed as the forwards coach at Manchester United, stating that while McCarthy was not showered with accolades in the first few matches, we also shouldn't shower Chickelday right away.

Under the guidance of McCarthy, Manchester United has seen the likes of Marcus Rashford, Casemiro, Bruno Fernandes and Anthony just to name a few score goals more often.

"For now lets leave the man(Chickelday) to do his work and see after five more matches how will the goalscoring charts read at Pirates although we are happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel," Moloi alluded.

With the fixture on Saturday also described as the battle of two teams that can conquer Africa, fans can be in for a treat as Pirates long for victory while Sundowns look to create more history.

Kickoff on Saturday is at 15:30 CAT.

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Orlando Pirates

Tebogo Moloi

Mamelodi Sundowns

DSTV Premiership

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