Snl24 | Ledwaba: Pirates Targeted By PSL Clubs
Orlando Pirates have won the three cup finals on offer to head coach Jose Riveiro, and former Bucs forward Jacky Styles Ledwaba tells the Siya crew how they have become a target for clubs in the PSL.
Pirates drew 1-1 against Polokwane City on Friday night, and they have been frustrated with three draws in their seven Premiership matches so far.
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Despite their recent triumph in the MTN8 competition, there are now concerns about Bucs’ league form.
Talking to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview, Ledwaba says clubs are forcing draws against Pirates because they want to prove a point.
“You know in football the more you win you attract attention. Each and everyone wants to beat the champions. You need to be on your toes all the time. You know when Chippa United or Sekhukhune United play against Golden Arrows they won’t put up the same fighting spirit as when they face Pirates,” Ledwaba told the Siya crew.
“They know they are playing against the cup specialists and they want to beat Pirates. Even the opposition players are more motivated to play and beat Pirates and their attitude is different because they know they will be more recognised when they up their game against Pirates.
“They know it’s going to be tough for them and that becomes tough for Pirates as well. Look at how AmaZulu played in that draw on Tuesday. They knew they are coming from beating Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Knockout and if they can beat Pirates then they are (even more) good.
“Fortunately enough we got a point from there which is not good enough though. Look at the game against Cape Town Spurs in the Carling Knockout and the one against AmaZulu in the league. They were two different games.
“That’s what happens when every team targets you as champions. It becomes difficult for you,” Ledwaba observed.
He added that football is a funny game, going on to discuss how Pirates will catch up with their fixtures when Mamelodi Sundowns are busy in the African Football League.
“It’s even more tricky when you have games in hand. You have to play all those games before you can count the points. You lose or draw one game then those are points dropped.
“Now you have to fight to recover. That’s where Pirates are now. They have to play each game in hand like a cup final now and make sure they collect as many points as they can to move away from that position while there is still time,” Ledwaba concluded.
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