Orlando Pirates’ Key Players Monyane, Hotto, and Makhaula Outline Their Strategy for Overcoming Mamelodi Sundowns and Securing the League Title This Season

As the new season looms on the horizon, Orlando Pirates’ Thabiso Monyane, Deon Hotto, and Makhehlene Makhaula are all singing from the same hymn sheet about their club’s quest for glory.

The Pirates have had a solid run, finishing second in the league for the past two seasons under coach Jose Riveiro.

Despite winning four cup titles during this period, the league trophy has eluded them.

Their main goal now? To dethrone Mamelodi Sundowns, who’ve dominated the league for seven straight seasons.

Speaking at the launch of their 2024/25 jerseys, just after returning from a pre-season stint in Spain, the trio expressed a unified focus on winning the league.

Monyane noted that the team’s slow starts in previous seasons have been a problem.

He emphasized the need to correct this by kicking off the new season on a high note, a view echoed by Makhaula. Makhaula also stressed the importance of building momentum early on.

Monyane was candid about the team’s past shortcomings, particularly their sluggish starts.

“One of our weaknesses in the past season was starting the season slow,” he said.

“We hope that this season, we work and start the season on a high. We’re looking forward to rectifying those mistakes. That’s why we went to the preseason to work on those things.”

Makhaula’s Confidence

Makhaula was optimistic about their chances, pointing to their impressive 2-0 victory over Sevilla as evidence of their potential. However, he made it clear that winning the league isn’t just about beating the top teams.

“The league is not won by beating [Kaizer] Chiefs, Sundowns, or SuperSport [United],” Makhaula explained.

“It’s only six points if we beat Sundowns in both league fixtures.

The most difficult teams are those we call small teams. When they play big teams, they are more motivated.”

He urged his teammates to ensure they secure victories in their early matches.

“In the first five matches, you need to make sure that you win those five or seven in a row or 10 games,” he challenged.

Deon Hotto’s Determination

Hotto shared that the team’s drive to succeed comes from within.

They are motivated not just by their own ambitions, but also by the supporters and the chairman’s expectations.

“The only difference we need to make is consistency,” Hotto said. “We need to start very well.

We don’t start well, but we finish well.”

With their eyes set on the prize, it’s clear that Monyane, Hotto, and Makhaula are all determined to make this season their best yet.