Pirates looking to close gap at the top of the league

Fadlu Davids wants to see Orlando Pirates at the top of the DStv Premiership standings in order to challenge for the championship title this season.

ALSO READ: Pule, Ofori, Lepasa to come back next year for Pirates

Pirates returned to winning ways when they edged TS Galaxy 2-0 in their previous league game at the Orlando Stadium. That result gave the Buccaneers a boost, as they jumped to third place on the log after taking their point tally to 23 from 15 games, but they are 14 points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who are on 37 points having played the same number of matches.

However, a good performance that comes with a victory is a good sign for Davids, who has been worried about the team’s failure to convert chances.

“Of course, we were not happy with our results that we’ve been getting recently. We were really happy with the performances and the process in terms of our KPIs that we try to set before each match. But it wasn’t just falling for us,” said Davids ahead of their Soweto derby tie against a struggling Swallows FC at the Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday.

“The position on the log, I said it, it’s where we should strive to be, closer to the top, challenging. But we have to look at the bigger picture, we have to look at how we’re progressing as a team, how we’re taking it step by step. We are happy with the three points but we’re not getting too excited.”

The Pirates co-coach is happy to see new recruit Bandile Shandu slotting in well into the team after the versatile player scored his first goal for the club in their against Galaxy.

“We’re pleased with his performance. He’s fitted in well. He’s fitted into having some familiar players around him, but also being able to fit into our high intensity style. I think that suits him quite well. He’s quite smart in being able to understand the tactical instructions in terms of how we are. Trying to unlock the defence line, when he has to drop, when he has to make runs in behind.”

Meanwhile, Swallows are facing difficult times, with the Birds third from the bottom of the log after only managing to collect 12 points in 15 league fixtures.