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.
