Exclusive: Lucky Lekgwathi Backs Pirates for Big Season ahead of Carling Knockout Final

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes his former club is poised for major success this season following their strong start to the campaign.

The Buccaneers will contest their second cup final of the season when they face Marumo Gallants in the Carling Knockout decider at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Having already secured the MTN8 title, Pirates now have an opportunity to chase another trophy, one they have not lifted since the 2011/12 season, when Lekgwathi himself was the last captain to win it.

Pirates have been in excellent form throughout the season, and that consistency has placed them in a commanding position heading into the Christmas break.

Not only are they on the brink of adding more silverware, but they also sit at the summit of the Betway Premiership with a narrow two-point lead over second-placed Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played one game more.

Lessons from past shortfalls

Lekgwathi was a key figure in the double-treble-winning squads of 2010/11 and 2011/12, a period widely regarded as one of the club’s golden eras and one that cemented him as their most decorated player.

He told Sportsboom.co.za that the team learned valuable lessons from last season’s shortfalls and has returned as a much stronger unit.

“Last season was a learning curve for the players,” Lekgwathi said.

“To win the MTN8 and other trophies is good, but Orlando Pirates supporters want to win the league. Even now, as they are sitting in first position, they do not want to make the same mistake as last season, losing all the games they had in hand.”

“Credit must start with the leadership of the team. They assembled a good squad, every position has about three or four players—which is good because it creates healthy competition in the team and makes the coach’s job easy.”

Marumo Gallants not to be underestimated

Looking ahead to this weekend’s final, Lekgwathi expects a difficult contest despite Pirates having a far stronger squad than a Marumo Gallants side still trying to settle under new coach Alexandre Lafitte.

He told Sportsboom.co.za that the Bucaneers must approach the match with the right mentality.

“A final is a different ball game, and you can’t compare it with a league game. And without forgetting, in the second game of the season, they lost to this team in the Betway Premiership.”

“Pirates will not go into that match underestimating them, but they will go into that contest with a score to settle. It is not going to be easy, though, and winning two trophies with just half of the season gone will be a good achievement.”

Primary focus still the league title

Although lifting more silverware would be a major boost, Lekgwathi insists the primary target for the club must remain the league title.

“The biggest expectations the fans have is the league. Yes, trophies are still good, but winning the league is the ultimate goal.”

“I can give you an example with myself: I won the Carling Knockout with Pirates under a different sponsor, but people do not remember that now. But win the league, and you will be remembered forever.”

“This season there is an opportunity for them to even do a clean sweep of trophies.”

Lekgwathi added that Pirates’ elimination from the Champions League makes them an even more dangerous side, as they will have fresher players who can fully focus on domestic competitions.

“As a player or team, you get tired of the other team being so dominant, and Pirates, for so many seasons, have been attempting to challenge Sundowns.”

“But this season they are as close as ever, and with Sundowns still playing in the Champions League and Pirates eliminated, they will have an edge over their rivals.”