Orbit College head coach Pogiso Makhoye has spoken out about the team’s relegation from the top flight after a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates. The loss, which was influenced by two costly own goals, confirmed Orbit College’s fate as they finished at the bottom of the standings.
Makhoye, a founding member of the club, admitted that the occasion was painful but also part of the learning process for a young side navigating top-flight football for the first time. Despite the disappointment, Makhoye refused to criticise his squad, instead praising the effort and growth shown by his young players during the closing stages of the campaign.
Lessons Learned
According to Makhoye, the experience of relegation will ultimately strengthen both himself and the team should they earn another promotion in future. “Indeed it happened like that, but we’ve learnt a lot this season and if we get another chance to get promoted again, I’ll be calmer in this league as an experienced coach because I had to learn somewhere,” he said.
Makhoye also noted that the team had prepared themselves emotionally for relegation before their decisive final-day clash against Orlando Pirates. “We cannot falter these young boys, they gave a good performance and I’m proud of them. We’ve been building this young team for the past six games and I think we are growing,” he said.
Looking to the Future
While relegation marks a painful chapter in the club’s history, Makhoye believes that the team will bounce back stronger. “We are going down, we have to accept that and move on, and prepare for next season – at least before next season we will be able to have rest and prepare the team well again,” he said.
For more information on the Betway Premiership, visit the official Premier Soccer League website. The Premier Soccer League is the top professional football league in South Africa.
- Orbit College finished at the bottom of the standings
- The team was relegated after a 2-0 defeat to Orlando Pirates
- Makhoye praised the effort and growth shown by his young players
