In a candid admission, former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Innocent Mayoyo has acknowledged that the team’s chances of winning the league this season are slim, conceding the title to Mamelodi Sundowns.
Mayoyo shared his thoughts after the Buccaneers suffered a devastating 2-0 loss to Marumo Gallants this past weekend, a result that significantly weakened their title aspirations.
Mayoyo Calls for Mentality Shift at Orlando Pirates
Speaking to KickOff, Mayoyo expressed his disappointment and outlined the issues facing the team.
“The league is gone,” he said, stressing that it was no longer a matter of hope but reality.
He believes the defeat to Marumo Gallants makes it clear that the title is out of reach, and it is time to confront the truth.
“It’s painful because we all know what we’re talking about,” Mayoyo added, reflecting on the team’s struggles over the past several seasons.
The former Pirates shot-stopper further pointed out that, in his view, the team has lacked the necessary mentality to contend for the league.
He suggested that the club should focus on bringing in players with a stronger mindset and more experience.
“Jose Riveiro must start by addressing the issues at hand,” he said, referring to the head coach.
He emphasized that many of the signings from the past two years, like Miguel Timm and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo, no longer seem to be central to the club’s goals.
Sundowns Are a Step Above Pirates in the League
Mayoyo didn’t hold back in discussing the current gap between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, noting that Sundowns have become the dominant force in South African football.
“How can a big club sign a player who hasn’t won anything at his previous club?” he questioned.
He believes that to challenge for titles, you need players with a strong mentality and proven experience, qualities that Pirates currently lack.
He also urged fans to stop making comparisons between the two clubs, saying it was an unfair comparison at the moment.
“People must stop comparing Pirates to Sundowns. That’s where they go wrong,” he said.
Mayoyo explained that while Orlando Pirates have shown promise, they are still in the early stages of building a team capable of competing at the highest level in Africa.
Pirates’ Title Hopes Slim as They Trail Sundowns by 18 Points
Currently, Orlando Pirates find themselves 18 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns after playing 16 league matches.
While the Buccaneers still have four games in hand, Mayoyo believes it would take a miracle for them to close the gap and secure this year’s league title.
With the season winding down, many are wondering if there’s still a sliver of hope for Pirates to mount a late challenge.
What do you think? Do Orlando Pirates still have a chance to make a title run this season?