EXCLUSIVE | Orlando Pirates’ spirited draw with Mamelodi Sundowns offers hope of revival, says Motale

Orlando Pirates’ draw against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 might have been a stalemate on paper, but it could well prove to be the spark that launches their season.

A lot could have gone wrong over the weekend. Pirates entered the clash on the back of two consecutive league defeats that sent shockwaves through the Premiership, and facing a Sundowns side heavily tipped to be their strongest challengers this campaign. Another loss could easily have sparked a full-blown crisis.

Against a well-oiled opponent whose squad continuity has been the foundation of their dominance for over a decade, the writing appeared to be on the wall. Yet, the Buccaneers rose to the occasion, delivering what was arguably their most convincing performance of the season so far.

Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is still finding his feet in the hot seat, and while he does not have the luxury of time, his decision to reintroduce several regular starters from last season, including Deano van Rooyen and Thalente Mbatha, paid dividends, with the team producing a much-improved display compared to their opening two matches.

That performance now sets the stage for a packed schedule. Pirates host Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday night (7.30pm kick-off) before turning their attention back to Sundowns for the second leg of the MTN8 semi-final on Saturday, already confirmed as a sold-out affair.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, former Pirates defender and CAF Champions League winner Edward Motale believes the side is beginning to show encouraging signs after their slow start.

“We have started the season badly, but it is not as bad as it seems because the coach is still trying to find his combinations,” Motale told Independent Newspapers.

“There are a lot of new players and he is trying to accommodate everyone into the side and get them going this season.”

Motale also pointed out that despite the disappointing results, there have been positives, particularly in chance creation.

“There were a lot of positives,” he continued.

“They have been managing to create chances. In the first match they had about 13 shots at goal but they lost. In their second league match they had about 12 shots, and that shows that they are able to create chances and they are playing good football. They just need to convert their chances.”

Ouaddou has faced pressure after the team’s poor start, but Saturday’s result against Sundowns provided some breathing room. Motale feels the performance showed the players are beginning to understand each other better.

“In the second leg fixture Pirates will be in the final at the end of it. The players are starting to understand each other well now even though they are not fully there yet. They are about 80–85% there and you can see that.”

While the Sundowns showdown looms large, Ouaddou is unlikely to underestimate Stellenbosch. The Maroons frustrated Pirates last season, claiming an impressive four points in their two meetings.

And while they remain a huge threat, for Pirates, two back-to-back good results may just be the reset they need to get back on the horse and fight for top honours.