Orlando Pirates legend Andries Sebola has urged the team to stay calm and focused as they face Orbit College in their must-win Betway Premiership season finale at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Pirates were held to a goalless draw by Durban City at Orlando Stadium last Saturday, delaying their league coronation as they remained second on the log with 66 points, two behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have already completed their season.
Sebola’s Warning
Sebola, who won the league with Pirates in the early 1990s, pulled no punches when reflecting on the team’s recent setback in front of their home supporters during their title pursuit. “They were overconfident. They thought they had already won the game before it was played,” Sebola said. “They wanted glory against Durban City so that they could avoid facing Orbit, who are fighting to avoid relegation.”
Sebola believes that the team’s lack of experience and complacency were major factors in their draw against Durban City. “There was no leader who could guide them through what was going to happen on the day. They put themselves under unnecessary pressure because they could have relaxed and played their normal football,” he added.
Orbit College Threat
Orbit College are desperate to avoid relegation and will be fighting for every point. According to the Premier Soccer League rules, the team that finishes last in the league will be relegated to the National First Division. Sebola warned the Pirates players against underestimating Orbit College, saying “They need to keep calm, knowing that it won’t be easy. Orbit want at least a point, especially looking at the result of the other team (Marumo Gallants).”
Pirates are expected to win the game on paper, boasting superior depth in attack and defence, having scored 56 goals, while goalkeeper Sipho Chaine has kept a record-extending 20 clean sheets in the league this season. However, Sebola stressed the importance of taking their chances early in the match to settle into the game.
Here are some key factors that could influence the outcome of the game:
- Pirates’ ability to stay calm and focused under pressure
- Orbit College’s desperation to avoid relegation
- The team’s ability to take their chances and score early
As the Orlando Pirates look to claim their first league title in 14 years, they will need to draw on all their experience and skill to overcome the challenge posed by Orbit College.
