Watch VideoExclusive I Former midfielder Edelbert Dinha has praised Orlando Pirates’ character in their league chase

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Edelbert Dinha believes the squad’s character and unity will drive them to league glory this season. Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Edelbert Dinha has praised the Soweto side for their resilience and character following an early-season CAF Champions League exit, saying the Buccaneers have bounced back to become strong contenders for the league title. The Pirates have endured a challenging period in league football, currently approaching 14 years without claiming the Premiership crown.

Currently enjoying the moniker “cup kings” of South African football because of their success in knockout competitions, the league title has for so long proven elusive to them. Coming into this season, Pirates were not only seen as strong contenders for domestic trophies but were also tipped as one of the sides likely to perform well on the continent, largely because of their achievements the previous season. After last season’s semi-final exit, few would have predicted that a team with so much quality and improved depth would bow out of the preliminary rounds this year.

Their penalty shootout loss to Saint Eloi Lupopo (5-4 after a 3-3 aggregate score) delivered a harsh reality check, compounded by defeats in the opening league fixtures against Marumo Gallants (2-1) and Sekhukhune United (1-0). Since then, however, the Buccaneers have mounted an impressive recovery. Now three points clear at the summit of the Betway Premiership, they have emerged as a persistent thorn in the side of every league opponent this season. Dinha, who was part of a league-winning campaign in the 2002/03 season, believes the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League has tested the players’ character — a challenge they have passed with flying colours.