One cannot argue the fact that Orlando Pirates is not only the team to beat domestically, but also on the continental front. Having acquired the services of some of the best talents in the country and from Europe, Pirates seem destined to knock the class of 95 off their pedestal.
The happy people, as they are fondly known, are still beaming from last year's success where they bagged in a treble, a feat that no other team can claim in the country. With the class of 95 possessing the best possible talents like John Moeti, Mngcwango, Motale, Jerry Skhosana and Mark Fish to name but a few, the current crop of Pirates is even better. With the dedication of shot stopper Moeneeb Joseph, the resilience of captain Lucky Lekgwathi, exciting midfield trio of Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali and recently African Nations Champion Issac Chansa. The team boast the best wingers in the country in the form of Tlou Segolela, Daine Klaite and new recruit Sifiso Myeni. One can never doubt the kind of firepower they poses, much more powerful that the 95 one. Benni McCarthy, Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Bongani Ndulula and Tokelo rantie all pose a threat to any defence on any given encounter.
One may think that the team is complete with the stars already mentioned. Above is a tip of an Iceberg. The Sea Robbers still has a host of talent on the bench to act as cover for the powerful first eleven they have. Such can never go alone. The Buccaneers also have on of the best management in the continent. Chairman Irvin Khoza is by far the best leader in the country having guided big organisations life SAFA, the PSL and FIFA 2010's Local Organising Committee. It came as no surprise when his team won everything on offer immediately after he resumed the reigns at Pirates on a full time basis after the world showpiece which was held on home soil.
What are the best ingredients to beating the best when a team has more than six internationals in its match day squad week in and week out? Many are still expecting a lot from Boubacar Talatou, a Niger Midfielder who is a match winner on any given day. Players like Mark Mayambela, Dikgang Mabalane, Thandani Ntshumayelo and Bongani Ndulula are also waiting their turns to set the stage alight.
On paper, the current team is more capable of emulating the class of 95 which had greats like Helman Mkhelele, William Okpara, Gavin Lane, Jerry Skhosana, Edward Motale, Silent and many more.
We also can’t leave the chocking factor out, though the team is all but convincing. Ghana, Senegal, and Ivory Coast are good examples of why people should never make a mistake of deciding who will win based on the great teams they have. With Pirates that rule can be ignored. The team has a bunch of winners already. McCarthy has won Uefa Champions League in his heydays, Chansa has just won ACN with Zambia, and most of the Pirates players were very much involved with bringing the three trophies to Bucs cabinet. Another exciting point about Pirates is that most of their players cannot dance, which according to South African football standards, should be classified as a positive to their team winning the African Champions League.
Any soccer fan or writer can never dispute the fact that the current Pirates outfit is well placed to conquer Africa and emulate what is now known as one of the best Pirates teams ever. I for one may not be an Orlando Pirates supporter, but as a soccer fan, I will be watching their campaign closely for they will not only be representing themselves, but an entire South Africa. I won’t be surprised to see them “do it for the Pirates” once again on the continental front.
