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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi says his side can still defend their league title ahead of their crunch Absa Premiership clash against Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccanneers, who hold a game in hand, lie in the precarious third spot on the log, needing nothing less than successive victories from their remaining three fixtures if they are to have any chance of sneaking past Kaizer Chiefs for league honours.
Chiefs, however, have their own fate in their hands, three points clear of Platinum Stars, and a further four points ahead of Pirates.
“Our mission, or objective, for the remaining matches is clear - play to win, and continue to fight to end the season on top of the log," Lekgwathi said.
Sundowns themselves are in a desperate search of points in their bid to salvage something from their league campaign. Sundowns were in 10th ahead of the weekend fixtures, two points behind eighth-placed Free State Stars.
In the previous league meeting between the two sides in November, Pirates romped to a 3-1 win. This time, the Soweto outfit come into the game with just one victory in their last nine league matches, and will be forced to go for broke.
“It is back to business for us in a must-win match," said the skipper.
“I am glad the records, as far as playing Sundowns at home, are in our favour, but having said that, we are under no illusions, nor assuming that those records will do the business for us.”
Lekgwathi hailed the depth in the Pirates squad after they battled injuries throughout the season.
“One thing I always wanted to see happening in the team [more determination from the new players] is finally taking shape.
“We were a team that, especially in the midfield, had two great players, then they got injured.
"The new guys that came in have proven to be capable enough to get on with the business.”
While Chiefs are not in action this weekend, Platinum Stars will hope to close the gap on the leaders when they face Golden Arrows in KwaMashu.
The Buccanneers, who hold a game in hand, lie in the precarious third spot on the log, needing nothing less than successive victories from their remaining three fixtures if they are to have any chance of sneaking past Kaizer Chiefs for league honours.
Chiefs, however, have their own fate in their hands, three points clear of Platinum Stars, and a further four points ahead of Pirates.
“Our mission, or objective, for the remaining matches is clear - play to win, and continue to fight to end the season on top of the log," Lekgwathi said.
Sundowns themselves are in a desperate search of points in their bid to salvage something from their league campaign. Sundowns were in 10th ahead of the weekend fixtures, two points behind eighth-placed Free State Stars.
In the previous league meeting between the two sides in November, Pirates romped to a 3-1 win. This time, the Soweto outfit come into the game with just one victory in their last nine league matches, and will be forced to go for broke.
“It is back to business for us in a must-win match," said the skipper.
“I am glad the records, as far as playing Sundowns at home, are in our favour, but having said that, we are under no illusions, nor assuming that those records will do the business for us.”
Lekgwathi hailed the depth in the Pirates squad after they battled injuries throughout the season.
“One thing I always wanted to see happening in the team [more determination from the new players] is finally taking shape.
“We were a team that, especially in the midfield, had two great players, then they got injured.
"The new guys that came in have proven to be capable enough to get on with the business.”
While Chiefs are not in action this weekend, Platinum Stars will hope to close the gap on the leaders when they face Golden Arrows in KwaMashu.
