Legend Weighs In on Buccaneers’ Title Hopes
Orlando Pirates legend Steve Lekoelea, affectionately known as “Chippa”, believes that Buccaneers supporters were more desperate to see the club win the league title than the players themselves. Lekoelea, a two-time league winner with Pirates, thinks that the pressure mounted on the squad during crucial stages of the campaign.
The former Pirates midfielder pointed to the disappointing draws against Richards Bay and Durban City, saying the results exposed a lack of experience within the team. Speaking on Soccerbeat, Lekoelea said that the expectations from supporters may have weighed heavily on the players.
Pirates Players Feeling the Pressure
“Yes, I agree,” Lekoelea said when asked whether Pirates fans wanted the trophy more than the players. “After that 2-2 draw with Richards Bay, the players’ body language was off because they thought they would win the game. It seems the supporters want the league more badly than the players. That pressure from the supporters rubbed off on the players. They could feel it and it became heavy on them.”
Lekoelea also questioned coach Abdeslam Ouaddou’s decision to start Yanela Mbuthuma ahead of Evidence Makgopa during the closing stages of the season. “Seven games before the end of the season, he started with Mbuthuma, and Mbuthuma still lacks experience. This is a big team and he still has a lot to learn. He should be introduced in the second half. We need an experienced striker like Makgopa, who is also an asset to the national team.”
A Call for Experience
Lekoelea was part of the Orlando Pirates teams that won the league titles in the 2000/01 and 2002/03 seasons. He believes that the team’s inexperience was a major factor in their inability to secure the title. The Durban City game was a prime example, Lekoelea said, adding that the team just needed one goal to win.
