Selflessness key to Orlando Pirates’ dominance ahead of Carling Knockout final

There is a simple recipe behind Orlando Pirates’ current impressive form, which sees them topping the Betway Premiership table on a 10-match unbeaten run — including nine victories — having already secured the MTN8 trophy for a fourth season running and heading into the Carling Black Label Knockout final this weekend: selflessness.

The Buccaneers’ squad is made up of talented individuals, stars in their own right. But when they put on the famous black and white jersey adorned with the revered crossbones and skull insignia, they transform into team players who think only of success for the badge.

This much was revealed by goalkeeper Sipho Chaine during a pre-Carling Knockout final media engagement at the Rand Stadium.

“This season we have a bunch of selfless individuals who want Pirates going forward. They want to see the club reach the next level. It is not about what they want to achieve individually,” Chaine explained, as he anticipated Saturday’s clash with Marumo Gallants at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

It is a match the Buccaneers will start as favourites given their current form and pedigree. Yet such has been the past results of this league cup that nothing can be taken for granted — not when rookies Magesi FC stunned hot favourites Mamelodi Sundowns in last year’s final, nor when Stellenbosch FC and TS Galaxy shocked everyone by contesting the inaugural final two years ago.

The Pirates players — superstars themselves, with nine having made the final Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco — know matches are never won on paper. They are fully aware they have to work for every success.

“Of course, individual achievements happen, but it is unconscious. There are a lot of players who were not regulars for Bafana; they came here, built a brand and played good football. When you come to Orlando Pirates, you are a good player, and each one who has come here has been very influential,” Chaine said.

He was reluctant to dwell on the fact that Pirates now dominate the Bafana squad, having previously played second fiddle to Sundowns in that regard.

“The most important thing is Peter Mokaba Stadium at 6pm kick-off and what Pirates are going to do. We can only focus on that, preparing for the big final as a team.

"Pirates is a big club with very good players from around the country and the continent. Over the years we might not have seen that, but we have good players and it is important to keep our heads down and focus on the final on Saturday.”

Chaine emphasised that it is the collective effort that will see Pirates attain glory, just as it has since the start of the season under new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

“Team spirit is important and how everyone wants to contribute — whether from the starting 11 or coming off the bench in the last 10 minutes. It’s not about whether you start or come on from the bench, but how we play as a team.”