Why Pirates must not panic as Downs go top

THE time of the season when the real contenders are separated from the pretenders has arrived in the Betway Premiership, and the spotlight will mostly shine on Orlando Pirates for the next five months.

- MIHLALI BALEKA.

That is why they must not panic and instead hold their nerve.The Sea Robbers are second in the league with 28 points, one behind serial, defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns, who leapfrogged them to the top spot during the league restart this past Monday night.

Sundowns’ route to the summit of the log may have come against the league's new boys, Orbit College, but it was still a worrying sight for their closest rivals this season, Pirates.

The Brazilians were without several regulars on the day, with only goalkeeper Ronwen Williams making the starting XI from the contingent of eight players who were away with Bafana Bafana at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Still, the makeshift side looked dangerous, with youngster Thato Sibiya walking away with the Player of the Match award on debut, while new signing Brayan Leon also scored on his debut.

Given the depth at Sundowns’ disposal, and their clear intention to return to their best after losing out on all domestic honours ~ the league title and two trophies (MTN8 and Carling Knockout) — to Pirates in the first half of the season, this is not the time for the Sea Robbers to press the panic button.