Captain Innocent Maela insists Orlando Pirates have not thrown in the towel in the race for the DStv Premiership despite a nine-point gap behind Mamelodi Sundowns and explains Pirates what needs to fix to challenge the log leaders.
The Buccaneers are putting in the preparation for a return to DStv Premiership action when they play away to Richards Bay on Saturday.
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A win would be the first time The Sea Robbers collect three consecutive wins this season and would reduce the gap on Sundowns at least down to six points, although the log leaders boast two more matches in hand.
Despite the mammoth task, Maela believes his side is more than capable.
"Yeah I mean look when you start the season we want to win all the trophies, you know it comes with expectations of this brand, of this club and the magnitude of this club," the defender told media at an Adidas activation event at Maponya Mall.
"We are trying really hard to be consistent on how we play because how we play gives us results. So, if we can fix the matter of how we perform then we will definitely get more wins and take us closer to challenging for billing and eventually winning the league.
"So, like I said, we know where we need to improve and we are working on it. I mean it's not an overnight process, it takes time."
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— SuperSport Football ?? (@SSFootball) November 14, 2023
The Soweto Giants had a underwhelming start to the their season suffered a shock 1-0 defeat to Stellenbosch on matchday one and would go on to collet just two wins from the five league matches that followed.
In terms of cup competitions, Pirates have faced similar inconsistency, successfully defending the MTN8 before crashing out of the CAF Champions League as early as the second preliminary round and the Carling Knockout.
The Buccaneers found their footing at the start of November with a 1-0 win over Sekhukhune United before defeating rivals Kaizer Chiefs with the same scoreline in the Soweto derby, perhaps a signal to a change in fortunes.
"We urge our supporters to you know Hour people to be patient with us. We will get it right. We have a good squad, a quality squad that is worthy of winning the league, I promise we will get it right," Maela added.
Pirates will meet The Natal Richboys at King Zwelithini Stadium.
Kick-off is at 15:30.
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