After blowing seven points lead at the top of the Diski Challenge log, Orlando Pirates will be desperate to return to winning ways on Saturday when they host Cape Town City FC at Rand Stadium.
The Diski Challenge title race was deemed done and dusted with Pirates cruising to the title. But their recent five games where they lost twice, drew once and won the other two games turned around the tables.
It has put them in a position where they cannot afford to lose this weekend’s match, as failure to win could seem them being dethroned at the top.
In the past 17 games, Pirates collected 40 points, and Stellenbosch FC follows them with 39 in the second position.
They are heading to this match fresh from a 3-2 defeat by Chippa United last weekend in a victory that came as a huge shock.
Judging from coach Mandla Qhogi’s post-match interview where he revealed some of the challenges they faced ahead of the game against Chippa United, the boys were startled by the events.
Qhogi revealed: “Nothing seemed to go our way this past weekend. From travelling, we nearly missed our bus [the coach did not reveal reasons behind them being late], the whole trip was something else.”
The coach who made it no secret that they want to win this year’s title was also not impressed with some officiating on the match where Chippa United was rewarded two penalties. Nevertheless, he did not match to dwell on that.
With the league heading to the last games, it will be difficult for all the teams as some want to finish in the top eight.
“There’s still a lot of football to be played, I am not concerned at all remember youngsters do mistakes and that is fine it is a way of learning. But we remain optimistic, this weekend we have to win, I think now we know how to beat City having played a goalless draw with them recently. We know what to expect.”
Qhogi concluded: “It’s going to be a tough one. We have to approach it like the other games because we need three points.”
The Citizens have not been at their best this season. After 17 matches, they are in a disappointing 11th position with 21 points.
COURTESY