Former Orlando Pirates striker backs Bucs for title

Orlando Pirates remain locked in a tense title race with Mamelodi Sundowns heading into the final weeks of the campaign.

Kabo Yellow are first with 65 points, while the Buccaneers lurk in second spot with 62.

Also read: Miguel Cardoso furious after Sundowns and Chiefs drama

LELO MBELE BACKS ORLANDO PIRATES

The retired striker says Bucs should be rewarded for the exciting football they have played throughout the campaign. “Based on the football that Pirates have played this season, they are the ones deserving of winning this league,” the former Orlando Pirates striker told KickOff.

The Congolese forward never managed to lift the league trophy during his time in Soweto, despite being part of entertaining teams in the past.

Now watching from DR Congo, Mbele says he does not want to see Pirates suffer another painful second-place finish after such a strong season.

“I honestly don’t wish this Pirates team to go through the pain of playing football and finishing second,” he added. “Plus, Pirates hasn’t won the league in a very long time, so it will be refreshing to have a different winner.”

Also read: Sundowns star sends message to injured Mduduzi Shabalala

The former striker also believes Sundowns’ dominance over recent years has made the league less exciting for supporters.

MAMELODI SUNDOWNS DOMINANCE UNDER SCRUTINY

“I don’t think it portrays the correct image to have one team winning the league for almost 10 years in a row,” Mbele said. “It is not exciting for everyone that only one team wins the league for so long, non-stop.”

Mbele even suggested that sponsors and neutral supporters would prefer seeing Orlando Pirates crowned champions this season.

“I think even with the sponsors, the hype will be bigger if Pirates win the league this time instead of Sundowns since they are a bigger team,” he said.

“So, I think even the sponsors secretly wish it will be Pirates winning it since (Kaizer) Chiefs cannot win it anymore. Even the neutrals want Orlando Pirates.”

Mbele added that it has become frustrating for many supporters to see both Soweto giants go so long without winning the championship despite their massive fanbases.

“It is boring that the two Soweto giants have not won the league for more than 10 years but yet they are the only teams that can have almost 100 000 fans when they play,” he said.

The final weeks of the season could now decide whether Orlando Pirates finally end their 13-year league title drought.

REMAINING FIXTURES

Mamelodi Sundowns:

• Siwelele FC – Home on 9 May
• TS Galaxy – Away (Date to be confirmed).

Orlando Pirates:

• Magesi FC – Away on 9 May
• Durban City – Home on 16 May
• Orbit College – Away on 23 May.