Rivaldo Coetzee has cast doubt on Orlando Pirates’ chances of closing the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns, despite having four games in hand. While the Buccaneers technically have an opportunity to reduce the deficit, they currently trail by 18 points, meaning even four consecutive wins would still leave them six points behind the league leaders.
Coetzee believes the mental and physical toll of chasing the top team could prove overwhelming for Pirates. Speaking on the Sundowns Pitchside Podcast, the defensive midfielder explained
The Uphill Battle for Orlando Pirates
Sundowns’ relentless winning streak has left Pirates with no room for error. With just three months left in the season, the Buccaneers must be in near-perfect form to keep their slim title hopes alive.
Coetzee recalled a similar experience from his own career, highlighting the difficulties of playing catch-up.
“I remember after we won the CAF Champions League in 2016, we thought our games in hand would secure us the league title, but football doesn’t work like that. We ended up dropping points in crucial games, and Wits won the league.”
His experience serves as a warning: fixture congestion, pressure, and unexpected results can derail even the strongest teams.
Should Pirates Prioritise Other Competitions?
With the league title looking increasingly out of reach, should Orlando Pirates shift their focus to other silverware? The Buccaneers have already secured the MTN 8 title this season and remain contenders in both the CAF Champions League and the Nedbank Cup.
Given the daunting gap in the Betway Premiership, some might argue that prioritising these knockout competitions could be a more realistic path to success. However, with football’s unpredictability, Pirates still have a chance—if they can find the consistency needed to challenge Sundowns.
What do you think? Should the Buccaneers go all-in on cup glory or continue fighting for the league title against the odds?
