Orlando Pirates have been encouraged to remain focused in their plans for the season after getting disappointing results in their last two matches.
The Buccaneers drew both their last two matches against AmaZulu and Polokwane City on Tuesday and Friday respectively as they remain in the bottom half of the log.
The results in those two fixtures have led to some questions being raised on whether the Soweto giants can challenge defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns in the title chase.
Former Pirates defender, Tonic Chabalala, believes that all is not lost for the side while also comparing them to perennial rivals Kaizer Chiefs.
The Good
"The team has been playing well in most matches and I like the competition for places in the squad. Pirates isn't a team that depends on individual players to perform to get the results but everyone in the team is equally capable. Credit should be given to the coach (Jose Riveiro) for how he has managed to get all the players ready for when they are required to do duty for the team. Just look at what is happening in the goalkeeping department as an example. (Melusi) Buthelezi has come in and is doing the job in the absence of (Sipho) Chaine who is injured. All that is needed is for the team to start collecting those points and everything will be fine. I would like to plead with the coach and the entire team to continue with what they have been doing and I don't expect to see too many changes. I am satisfied with all the departments and the team has been creating chances even though some of the matches ended draws. The competition for places among the players is what gives me confidence with regards to my expectations. You know that when (Ndabayithethwa) Ndlondlo is not there, (Karim) Kimvuidi or any other equally capable player will be there. There is no shortage of players but like in any other team, there will always be room for improvement. Pirates are doing very well compared to the team from Naturena (Chiefs). Watching them (Chiefs) play, it is a struggle to see what the direction is and there is no fighting spirit. It is like a group of players that have just been put together to go and play and that's where the difference is. Pirates can be the team to beat this season and we just can't overlook the good work that's being done by the coach and his technical team," said Chabalala.
The Bad
"I don't think there is a problem in how the team has been playing and it's just that there have been matches where the guys would lose concentration here and there but there is nothing much to worry about," he added.
The Ugly
"I do understand that there have been concerns on Pirates doing well in cup matches and not in the league. But I don't think there is too much to worry about because the league is a marathon and there is still time," he said.
"I would like to plead with the fans"
"I would like to plead with the fans to be patient with the team and the results will start coming in the league as well. The team is doing well and is still in a cup competition (Carling Knockout) and there is a possibility of winning it. It is not like we are experiencing a drought or anything like that. We are building and we are in the right direction while doing it and that is good for the team and players," concluded Chabalala.
Can Pirates compete with Sundowns for the league title?
