Following three consecutive losses in different tournaments, Orlando Pirates managed to secure a clean sheet in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday. Despite the drama of the match, Bucs failed to score in the game and eventually won the penalty shootout 3-1 after extra time.
PIRATES ARE MTN8 CHAMPIONS!
Orlando Pirates beat Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 in a penalty shootout to win the MTN8 final. MTN8FINAL Pirates Sundowns pic.twitter.com/Q4TXCV2Yk1— Scrolla Sport (@ScrollaSport) October 7, 2023
Bruce Ramokgadi, a former Bucs player, believes the club can turn their form around by improving on their backline. Ramokgadi told PSLSA in an exclusive interview that the main problem lies in the centre back and striking departments.
“It seems our centre backs are not confident enough. We need a centre back or centre backs who will bring back the confidence in our defence and the team as a whole. Then improve our striking force. I can’t still understand why we loaned out Tshegofatso Mabasa. He is experienced and he is scoring goals. We need a striker like him at the moment,” said Ramokgadi.
Ramokgadi also suggested that Pirates should give all their players an opportunity to represent the team. “Maybe if everyone is given a chance then things could change for the better,” he concluded.
The MTN8 cup title seemed to be the tonic the team needed to rebuild their confidence. After the international break, Bucs take on Polokwane City in the PSL on October 27.
