Deon Hotto (right) scored for Pirates but it wasn't enough against Cape Town City. Picture: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images.
Despite Orlando Pirates suffering their second loss in a row, former striker James Mothibi still believes that the Buccaneers have the arsenal to challenge for the league title.
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Pirates played their 15th game in the DStv Premiership, losing to Cape Town City 2-1 away from home, their second loss after the resumption of the league from the Fifa break due to the Fifa World Cup
The Buccaneers scored first through Deon Hotto in the 20th minute, but Cape Town City bounced back with a strike 11 minutes later courtesy of Juan Zapata, before Darwin Gonzalez sealed the maximum points in the 74thminute.
“Pirates has a very strong squad, there are good players who are able to match Sundowns,” said Mothibi, who is currently working with youngsters in the Northern Cape in his academy.
“Yes, I know that we did not have a good start (coming after the break), but you have to remember it is not simple to have the form that you had before. I am not making excuses, but I know what I am talking about. We have the players, they are quality players, hence I say that Pirates can match Sundowns.”
With their second loss in a row, the Sea Robbers went further down league table. Sundowns are sitting nicely at the top with 37 points, while Bucs are on 19 halfway through the season,
“The league is still fresh, there is still a long way to go, it is not a sprint, but a marathon. I believe in the players that we have and I believe they can challenge Sundowns. It is not by chance that we won the MTN8, we did it because we have the players. When it comes to the league, it is about consistency, I think that is one thing we are missing. Once we become consistent, you will see what I am talking about.”
Jose Riveiro’s side will be aiming to get things right when they meet Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
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