Monyane Disappointed By Pirates League Title Chase
Orlando Pirates defender Thabiso Monyane expressed disappointment that the team couldn’t challenge for the DStv Premiership title as many expected.
While Pirates boast immense talent and squad depth, they haven’t been able to match Mamelodi Sundowns’ consistency in winning consecutive matches to clinch the league. Sundowns, who were knocked out of the CAF Champions League semi-final this past weekend, require only six points to secure their seventh successive league title after playing 22 matches.
The African giants have rattled off a string of wins and remain undefeated in the league, having won 17 and drawn the remaining games, accumulating 56 points. Pirates, on the other hand, sit third on the log table with 43 points after 25 matches.
A victory over Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium on Thursday will effectively hand Sundowns the DStv Premiership title.
“It’s a setback, but we move on,” said Monyane when asked about their failed league title challenge after Pirates defeated Royal AM 4-0 at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.
“There’s still a lot to fight for this season, and we’re looking forward to doing that.”
Having already secured the MTN8 trophy with a win over Sundowns in the final last October, Pirates are well-positioned to achieve another double, having reached the Nedbank Cup semi-final. They face Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium this coming weekend.
Monyane confirmed their desire to retain another cup title this season.
“Definitely,” he affirmed without hesitation. “But before that, we have a crucial league match against Cape Town City at DHL Stadium on Wednesday where we’ll be fighting for the second spot. So, our focus is on that game first.”
Stellenbosch FC currently hold that second spot with 46 points after 25 matches, extending their unbeaten run in all competitions to 24 games after thrashing Polokwane City 5-0 on Saturday.a
Picture courtesy of Orlando Pirates