Roger
de Sa can't shoulder the responsibility of poor performance alone. Let’s be
realistic, some certain players are not pulling their weight. Orlando Pirates
has developed an odd tactical tendency of defending each and every solitary
goal they have scored instead of killing the game.
Pirates
applied the same odd defensive techniques against Moroka Swallows after 2-0
lead but they ended up giving gave the lead to lose the game. The same new
defensive techniques were to be blamed for conceding a senseless goal in the
dying minutes of the game against Bloemfontein Celtic which resulted in an
undesirable draw.
The
same ultra-defensive approach was used against AmaZulu FC after scoring a single
goal which resulted in AmaZulu getting an equaliser to collect an important
point after Orlando Pirates succumb to its own bizarre defensive approach.
To
be honest, some players should shoulder the blame for AmaZulu draw. The fans
favourite Andile Jali was tactical ill-discipline by giving away the balls
cheaply. However, Andile Jali should be complimented for doubling up his work-rate
to make up for Onyekachi Okonkwo laziness in the engine room. Onyekachi Okonkwo
was just a passenger in the engine room with questionable commitment to the
team. The draw against AmaZulu meant that Orlando Pirates have now gone five
League games without a win, leaving them seven points behind leaders Kaizer
Chiefs.
Players
must shoulder the blame for recent poor display. Lucky Lekgwathi is also
failing his leadership role with distinction. In many games, Lucky has failed
to organize his defence alongside erratic Ayanda Ngcaba. They were caught
napping in many instances that resulted in Orlando Pirates conceding
meaningless goals. Collins Mbesuma is a lethal striker but he is too rigid
upfront without any sufficient movement to penetrate the opposition defence. Mbesuma
lacks speed to trouble any fast defence.
The
creativity brain of Oupa Manyisa is non-existent at the moment but I blame
fatigue, complacency and inconsistency after playing many games with flying
colours. Oupa “Ace’’ Manyisa deserves a break to recharge his batteries towards
revitalising his best form. Daine Klaite effective crosses are things of the
past, Tlou Segolela offensive moves are too predictable whilst Takesure
Chinyama fitness is questionable and up for scrutiny.
Supporters
have thrown the towel regarding defending the championship but a team of
Orlando Pirates calibre can’t be weak overnight. Management of the team should
also shoulder the burden for failing to acquire the service of quality players
as they sign many out of contract players not adding any value in the team.
Dr Irvin Khoza and his advisor Screamer Tshabalala must be blamed for fail to acquire the signature of the effective and mobile Tokelo Rantie permanently but proceed to purchased immobile and aging Mbesuma and Chinyama than investing in the talent for the future. It was regrettable management decision taken by Dr Irvin Khoza. He must be regretting his miscalculated decision as Mbesuma + Chinyama = Rantie.
Dr Irvin Khoza and his advisor Screamer Tshabalala must be blamed for fail to acquire the signature of the effective and mobile Tokelo Rantie permanently but proceed to purchased immobile and aging Mbesuma and Chinyama than investing in the talent for the future. It was regrettable management decision taken by Dr Irvin Khoza. He must be regretting his miscalculated decision as Mbesuma + Chinyama = Rantie.
It's
not raining but pouring at Orlando Pirates family. Firing Roba Jesa (Roger de
Sa) at this critical phase of the league and CAF Champions League won’t be a
wise option but rather a backward option.
Please consider this article not the initial one. Ndaa!
The
coach should be blamed for loosing the dressing battle to Benni McCarthy and Moneeb
Josephs and also implementing ultra-defensive techniques, the management of the
team should be blamed for failing to sign quality players, fans should be
blamed for hooligans tendency of pelting Roger de Sa with missiles in Durban
which is going to open up for violence conduct in the forthcoming games,
players should be blamed for lack of commitment towards the team success, Pirates
should be blame for failing to defend the Treble success and I must also be
blame for calling “spade a spade” than coming up with solutions instead of
always addressing problems.
Lastly,
the league is marathon and far from over. The championship race is wide open as
complacency, inconsistency and fatigue might affect certain teams fighting
championship battle. Just like in Marathon, it doesn’t matter how you started
but how you cross the finishing line ahead of everyone matters most. However
Lose, Draw, Draw, Draw and Draw can’t inspire any confidence towards defending
the Premier Soccer League Championship.
By Owen Mundalamo
Twitter: @shudulizah
