Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Solly Mathe has reframed the club’s
painful CAF Champions League exit, suggesting it could be a hidden advantage
in their quest for the Betway Premiership title.
While expressing disappointment at the Buccaneers’ penalty shootout loss to
DR Congo’s Saint Eloi Lupopo, Mathe believes eliminating continental
distractions allows the team to focus entirely on ending their long league
title drought.
A Lesson Learned and a New Focus
In an exclusive interview with PSLSA, Mathe acknowledged the quality of the
Pirates squad should have taken them further. He pointed to the tough 3-0
first-leg defeat as a crucial lesson in the mental rigors of African
football.
“We learnt something, especially from the first leg,” Mathe stated. “It’s a
lesson that when you play away it’s about mind games. If you are not strong
enough, you always crash.”
However, he quickly shifted to the opportunity at hand. “It also gives them
the opportunity to focus on the league and do well… This year they must
win the league no matter what.”
Immediate Chance to Prove Their Mettle
The timing of this renewed focus is critical. Pirates currently sit third on
the log with 18 points from eight games, just three points behind leaders
Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played two more matches.
This sets the stage for a blockbuster clash this Saturday at Loftus Stadium,
where Pirates have an immediate opportunity to close the gap on their
rivals.
From Continental Setback to Domestic Charge
Mathe’s assessment provides a strategic perspective on the club’s setback.
By channeling the disappointment from their continental elimination and
concentrating their efforts solely on the Premiership, Pirates could
transform a moment of footballing heartbreak into the catalyst for a
long-awaited domestic triumph.
