South Africa- Orlando Pirates DStv Diski Challenge coach Mandla Qhogi may have been cautious about his team’s aspirations for silverware in the past seasons, but the ambitious mentor is banking on winning it this season.
The Buccaneers have never won this competition since it was established in 2014.
They have never come close, but this season their performances say everything.
On Saturday, Pirates Reserves marched to their fifth successive win when they defeated Sekhukhune United 3-0 at Tsakane Stadium.
The victory saw them completing a double over Sekhukhune, having defeated them early in the season.
The results saw Pirates moving from position two to top of the DStv Diski Challenge table with 24 points collected in 10 matches.
The Buccaneers are level of points with Stellenbosch FC; a positive goal difference separates them. In the recent two seasons, Pirates have shown so much improvement.
However, this season Qhogi has made it clear that they want the league title at all costs.
“We needed to score more goals since we knew we had one goal behind[Stellenbosch in the log], remarked Qhogi.
“It is very important to finish the round, go to Christmas on a high. This is our mandate to go the break sitting on top. And come back from Christmas break continue stay there until the end of the season.”
“We want to win the title this season.”
Pirates will play their last match of the year 2021 against MaMkhize Royal AM at Johannesburg Stadium on Saturday 20 November.
The kick-Off is at 12:30 CAT.
The match will be live on SuperSport PSL Channel 202.
Pirates will be hoping to get another victory to keep the things interesting between them and Stellenbosch at the top of the standings.
One of the Pirates’ strong points this season has been their attack led by Mohau Nkota and Boitumelo Radiopane.
S’miso Bophela has also been a critical member orchestrating midfielder and supplying the most dangerous attacking duo. Pirates have scored 22 goals and conceded only seven.
Stellenbosch, who are breathing in their necks, have the same 24 points, scored 22 goals, and conceded eight. Mamelodi Sundowns and Chippa United are in position three and four respectively with 19 points per team.