sportskeeda
Jerry Sikhosana, a prominent figure in Orlando Pirates’ history, has expressed concerns regarding the manner in which his former team clinched the Betway Premiership title, admitting it feels challenging to celebrate due to a controversial final match.
Sikhosana, who earned his legendary status by scoring the crucial goal for the Buccaneers in the 1995 CAF Champions League final, voiced his dissatisfaction over the goals that facilitated Pirates’ win against Orbit College.
The Soweto giants secured a 2-0 victory at Mbombela Stadium last month; however, both goals were peculiar own goals from the opposing side.
Although the result secured an impressive domestic treble and marked Pirates’ first league title in 14 years, it also resulted in Orbit College’s relegation to the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
The questionable nature of the own goals has cast a shadow over the achievement, leaving many supporters and analysts feeling disappointed by the anticlimactic conclusion.
“I’m not feeling quite right,” Sikhosana stated when reflecting on his feelings as a Pirates supporter and club icon after the league win during the Khabba Cup trophy celebrations in Durban on Sunday.
“Many view it as a monumental achievement after 14 years, and while I appreciate that Pirates won the league, there are still questions surrounding how they accomplished it.
“The two goals were essentially presented to them, and the players who scored those own goals seemed to be laughing on the pitch as if they had achieved something commendable.
“Yet, they ultimately jeopardized their chances of remaining in the premier league, the Betway Premiership. I’m unsure what Orbit was doing. I feel it’s best for me to avoid this situation.
“I really need to keep my distance from it.”
Sikhosana’s remarks highlight a significant concern regarding the standards of South African football, echoing sentiments from Mamelodi Sundowns coach Miguel Cardoso, who has often raised issues about match scheduling and venues in contrast to Pirates.
Affectionately known as “Legs of Thunder” during his playing days, he remains an influential figure in the club’s history.
In addition to his continental achievements against ASEC Mimosas, he is the last player to score a hat-trick in a Soweto Derby, having triumphed over Kaizer Chiefs 4-1 in the 1996 Bob Save Super Bowl semi-finals.
Sikhosana is also tied as the second all-time top scorer for Pirates in the Soweto Derby, with seven goals—equal to Alfred “Russia” Jacobs, and just two behind the record of nine set by Dr. Jomo Sono.
Meanwhile, speculation regarding the coaching staff has been put to rest. Following the title-winning match, head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou sparked intense rumors regarding his future by mentioning he was “tired.”
However, the coach has since reassured Pirates supporters that he will remain at the forefront as they gear up for the forthcoming season.
