Orlando Pirates have seemingly re-emerged as a contender in the DStv Premiership title race after climbing up to fourth position on the table.
With their 2-0 win over Cape Town City on Tuesday, Pirates are now tied on 29 points alongside Swallows and SuperSport United but trail leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by five points.
However, fans should not get carried away as the Buccaneers have played more games.
Pirates have played 17 games, two more than Sundowns.
On Tuesday, Bucs overcame City 2-0 thanks to early goals from Deon Hotto and Vincent Pule.
The Sea Robbers have endured a stuttering run so far this season.
Their inconsistency has seen them win the Soweto derby one week and lose to Golden Arrows in their next game. Pirates were also humbled 2-0 by struggling Black Leopards not so long ago.
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Bucs coach Josef Zinnbauer wants his team to play with more conviction.
“We will go forward and try to get as many points as possible. It will not be easy but we must continue to fight,” Zinnbauer said.
“Sometimes games are in our hands but we give away the results. Pirates are a big club and the fans want the results. The players know that every game we must give a top performance.”
The reigning MTN8 champions have been hampered by injuries. Their top strikers Zakhele Lepasa and Tshegofatso Mabasa are out injured.
“We are dealing with injuries and that makes us change the line-up sometimes. We have been managing this situation. Last week it was Pule, Paseka Mako and Bongani Sam.
“I don’t know if we will get some of the players back from injury. Our strikers are injured and I have some play with guys who are not number nines.”
Up next are Jwaneng Galaxy of Botswana as the Buccaneers shift their attention to the CAF Confederation Cup in Gaborone on Sunday.
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