The Orlando Pirates are on the brink of ending their lengthy title drought in the Betway Premiership. A single victory stands between them and potentially claiming the championship.
The Buccaneers are set to host Durban City at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. This comes after Mamelodi Sundowns’ unexpected stumble, which has swung the championship door wide open. Sundowns suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy in Mbombela. This result left them with 68 points after completing their league campaign.
Orlando Pirates legend Happy Jele has expressed his backing for the team. Having spent 16 years wearing the black and white jersey, Jele understands the weight of expectation at the club. He built a legacy that secured his place among the club’s all-time greats, eventually becoming the most capped player in Orlando Pirates history with 401 appearances.
Jele’s trophy cabinet reflects his golden period, with back-to-back league titles in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons. He also won two Nedbank Cups, two MTN8 trophies, and a Telkom Knockout title.
“The previous talk when we talked, both of us, I said it’s up to the players, up to Orlando Pirates to take this league,” Jele told Soccer Laduma. “Yesterday’s results also show that it’s up to them. If they get the last three points, they are crowned champions of the Premier League. It’s been a while for Orlando Pirates to lift this trophy. I think now it’s very possible.”
Calm Heads Key in Title Decider
Jele warned that the final hurdle could become the most difficult one mentally. “They just need to put in more extra work in the last game. I would say the last game because every game is a cup game for them. In this last game that is coming on the weekend, they need to put in more extra work and believe in themselves that they can take it,” he said.
“The most important thing they must enjoy. It’s their time to enjoy football. That’s the most important thing. They need to enjoy the moment,” Jele concluded.
The road to the championship has been long and arduous for Orlando Pirates. Their fans will be eagerly anticipating the outcome of their upcoming match against Durban City. A win would see them claim the title and end their drought.
