Five reasons why Orlando Pirates should celebrate the 0-0 draw vs Sundowns

Orlando Pirates have plenty of reasons reasons to be optimistic their 0-0 draw with Mamelodi Sundowns. Here are five of them.

Oct 4, 2022 - 18:03

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Five reasons why Orlando Pirates should celebrate the 0-0 draw vs Sundowns

Orlando Pirates had to settle for a 0-0 draw in the MTN8 first-leg semifinal but it was a result that signified significant progress.

Many sections of supporters, however, have celebrated the result. Here’s five reasons why they should do exactly that.

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Orlando Pirates fans expectant on Soweto Derby Day. Image: BackpagePix

Five reasons for Orlando Pirates to celebrate 0-0 vs Sundowns

Ndlondlo has arrived for Orlando Pirates

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo produced a man of the match display on Pirates debut. It’s a sign of things to come from one of South Africa’s most exciting footballers on current form.

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Ndabayithethwa Phillip Ndlondlo of Orlando Pirates during the 2022 MTN8 Semifinal match between orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium, Soweto on the 01 October 2022 Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

Pirates kept the door shut

By keeping a clean sheet in the first-leg, Pirates know that an early goal in the second-leg would leave Sundowns needing at least two. With their pace and power in the final third, Pirates wouldn’t mind setting up on the counter. Ndlondlo, Zakhele Lepasa, Fortune Makaringe, Vincent Pule, Thembinkosi Lorch and Monnapule Saleng would all thrive in exactly that scenario.

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Draw stops a run of five consecutive defeats to the Brazilians

Saturday’s 0-0 draw interrupted a sequence of five consecutive wins for Sundowns against Pirates across all competitions. Those five results produced a 14-2 aggregate scoreline in favour of Sundowns. It’s as clear as day that progress is being made.

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Jose Riveiro is adjusting quickly

Spanish tactician Riveiro seems to be imprinting his philosophy onto the Pirates players and they’re buying into it. The Buccaneers have conceded just three goals in eight league matches this season. League competition is the bread and butter for any side, and their stubbornness in defence will surely make them title contenders.

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Keeping a clean sheet against Sundowns is an achievement in itself

Keeping the likes Peter Shalulile and Themba Zwane at bay for 90 minutes is a decent achievement. Shalulile has scored 16 goals in the DStv Premiership in the calendar year 2022, but he was feeding off scraps against Pirates. Riveiro’s back three of Ndah, Sibisi and Maela should be happy with the chemistry that they’re developing in front of ‘keeper Richad Ofori.

Pirates now shift their focus to the DStv Premiership and a trip to Sekhukhune United later today. A win will take the Buccaneers to within two points of log leaders Sundowns.

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Check out more analysis and insights from football fanatic James Freemantle.