They might be on a cup games roll but that has not prevented Soweto giants Orlando Pirates from planning ahead.

Pirates have been on an upward roll ever since coach Jozef Zinnbauer took over the reigns. They have shown class and glimpses of promise. Under Jozef, Pirates have already scooped the MTN8 Cup. It came after enduring many years with an empty trophy cabinet.

Having played second fiddle to bitter Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs in recent seasons, Pirates have dismantled Chiefs three times so far this season.

But Pirates biggest challenge remains that of winning the league title. Their 2020/21 campaign got off to a flyer but things appear to have stalled.

Winning the league title is ‘a work in progress’ and it takes every ounce of energy and resources to achieve that feat.

Mamelodi Sundowns have proved just how years of building a team can result in success. They have won the championship three times on the trot. And Pirates seem to be taking that route.

According to a report in football publication Phakaaathi, Pirates are looking at sailing into the future and building that future using their current youthful players.

The walk into the future will include elevating some deserving players from the Multichoice Diski Challenge team. A number of players from the Pirates development team have gone on to become house hold names in the elite league.

A source said Josef Zinnbauer wants to start building his own team and he believes in doing it with youngsters who still have ambitions of making it big. 

“That’s why he’s been bringing the likes of Azola Tshobeni into the mix. He’s also brought in Thabiso Sesane, originally a central defender, but he played him at right back just to test how he would respond. He is there to learn from the likes of (Happy) Jele and Thulani Hlatshwayo who are now on the other side of 30,” said the source.

Pirates have already found the going tough in front of goal on numerous occasions. This is despite the fact that they have a sharp edged front row that includes the likes of poster boy Thembinkosi Lorch, Vincent Pule, Gabadinho Mhango and Lepasa.

Source: The Citizen (Gauteng) Tue, 9 Feb 2021

https://pressreader.com/article/282278143022894

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