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Orlando Pirates might be on top of the Absa Premiership log, but they got there the hard way.
On more than one occasion, the Buccaneers have come out a different team, particularly in the second half, where they have either surrendered their lead or survived a late scare to hold on for a win.
There have been mixed reactions to the recurring situation, which head coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic has labelled “second-half blackouts”, while some observers are even suggesting that it could be the after-effects of a team that is being “over coached”.
This is in reference to a number of specialist coaches – including finishing coach Stéphane Adam – who were roped in at the beginning of the campaign as part of Sredojevic’s technical staff.
“There is nothing like that,” protested Bucs captain Happy Jele. “We have been learning and all we need to do as players is put in more effort.
“We’ll be okay. The guys have noticed that the second half has not been good to us.”
Jele has played every minute of Pirates’ nine matches in all competitions
so far.
In his analysis, Jele argued that his team’s opponents rocked up after the break with the intention to press them hard.
“It is something we are working hard [to rectify] during this short break and we are doing well so far.”
Jele has partnered with Ntsikelelo Nayauza at central defence of a rearguard that also has fullbacks Innocent Maela and Thabo Matlaba, a defensive unit that has remained unchanged in the past three matches.
It’s been a while since Pirates last occupied the top spot on the log and Jele believes the reason for their achievement is the energy his team-mates have put into every game amid the mishaps.
“Yes, it’s been a while, but it’s good for the team because we have been putting in effort in each and every game,” said the lad from Mhluzi township in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
Jele also lauded the club’s new signings for their contribution to the team’s progress so far.
“I am happy for the new players. They are gelling well with the team. We just need to get the results.”
Pirates endured an indifferent start to their campaign, which began with a home draw against Premiership returnees Highlands Park.
Bucs’s elimination from the MTN8 was further compounded by back-to-back defeats to early pacesetters Bidvest Wits and Bloemfontein Celtic.
This month, however, has been good to Sredojevic’s side. He still maintains that Pirates would have been well clear at the top of the standings had they not dropped points against Cape Town City a fortnight ago.
The Buccaneers next host Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night in a 7.30pm kick-off.
