Image: Pretoria News
Defending Betway Premiership champions Orlando Pirates will begin the defence of their league crown on Saturday knowing every opponent will be eager to knock them off their perch.
The Buccaneers welcome newly promoted Milford FC to Orlando Stadium for the opening match of the new campaign, with head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou aiming to build on the success that ended the club’s 14-year wait for league glory.
After a memorable debut season in charge that also delivered domestic cup success, Ouaddou has repeatedly insisted that last year’s achievements count for little unless Pirates can maintain those standards this season.
The opening fixture offers the Soweto giants an immediate opportunity to show they remain the benchmark in South African football.
Spotlight falls on ‘Baby Haaland’
One of the biggest talking points ahead of kick-off is the expected debut of Norwegian striker Sebastian Pedersen.
Nicknamed “Baby Haaland” by South African supporters because of his Scandinavian roots and physical resemblance to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland, Pedersen arrives with the responsibility of adding a ruthless edge to a Pirates attack that created more chances than any other team on the continent last season.
While Pirates were among the most entertaining attacking sides in Africa, there were occasions when they failed to convert their dominance into goals.
The club will hope Pedersen provides the finishing touch needed to turn promising performances into comfortable victories.
Replacing the influence of Relebohile Mofokeng, who secured a move to Belgian club Royale Union Saint-Gilloise after being named the PSL Footballer of the Season, will require a collective effort rather than relying on one individual.
Ouaddou has made that point throughout pre-season, stressing that the team’s success has always been built on collective responsibility.
Appollis expected to lead the attack
Although much of the attention will centre on Pedersen, Bafana Bafana winger Oswin Appollis could prove equally influential.
Blessed with explosive pace, creativity and an eye for goal, Appollis has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the league.
Alongside Tshepang Moremi and experienced goalkeeper Sipho Chaine, he forms part of the spine Pirates will rely on as they pursue another title challenge while balancing domestic and continental commitments.
Captain Nkosinathi Sibisi has also challenged his teammates to make Orlando Stadium a fortress once again, believing a strong home record will be crucial if Pirates are to retain their championship.
Milford embracing the challenge
For Milford FC, meanwhile, Saturday represents a historic milestone.
The KwaZulu-Natal club will make its long-awaited Betway Premiership debut after earning promotion and now faces arguably the toughest assignment possible against the defending champions.
Head coach Xanti Pupuma is expected to set his side up with defensive discipline, hoping to frustrate Pirates before looking to exploit opportunities on the counter-attack.
With little external pressure and everything to gain, Milford can approach the contest with freedom.
Even a point against the reigning champions would rank among the biggest results in the club’s history and provide enormous confidence for the rest of their maiden top-flight campaign.
For Pirates, however, anything less than victory would be viewed as a missed opportunity.
Beginning the title defence with three points would not only reward the Orlando faithful but also send an early warning to the rest of the league that the Buccaneers have no intention of surrendering the Betway Premiership crown without a fight.
Source: www.iol.co.za
