Former Orlando Pirates midfield maestro Oupa “Ace” Manyisa believes his
old club is perfectly positioned to end their long wait for the Premiership
title, declaring that “this season is their season.”
Speaking to PSLSA, the five-time league winner—who was part of the Pirates
side that last lifted the trophy in 2012—points to the team’s current
second-place standing, just three points behind Mamelodi Sundowns, as proof
of their genuine credentials.
“This season they are doing well. They are more consistent unlike other
previous seasons,” Manyisa observed, identifying a key shift that has
plagued the Buccaneers in recent campaigns.
For Manyisa, the mindset must now be ruthlessly focused. “For Pirates, a
draw should be taken as a loss this season for them to win the title,” he
stated, emphasizing the need to treat every match as a must-win. “They
should make sure that they always collect the points. Even one point will
help you at the end of the season, but the aim must be maximum points.”
He credits the team’s improved structure and efficiency for their strong
position. “Nothing really changed, it’s just that this season they are more
clinical up front and more structured at the back and in the midfield.
That’s what gives them strength and energy to go forward.”
With the title race heating up, Manyisa’s final advice is simple: focus on
the immediate task. “For me, this season they are close to the league… they
must make sure they take one game at a time and collect as many points as
they can.”
The message from the club legend is clear: consistency and a
winning mentality are the final hurdles for this potent Pirates squad to
reclaim the league crown.
