Pirates 'won’t be a threat'

Thohoyandou - Following their poor start to the season, former Orlando Pirates striker Mulondo Sikhwivhilu believes the Buccaneers will not pose a threat in the Absa Premiership this season.

The Soweto giants failed to register a single win in their opening two league clashes against Moroka Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic.

The Ngovhela-born goal-poacher says there is still plenty of work to be done before his former team-mates find the right momentum as head coach, Vladimir Vermezovic, is yet to find his preferred combinations.

In an exclusive interview with Sport24, Sikhwivhilu hinted that the Serbian-born tactician is still finding it difficult to get his troops going.

“I think Pirates won’t be a threat this season,” said Sikhwivhilu.

“I believe that there is still plenty of work to be done before they hit the right gear. Their coach (Vermezovic) should have been doing well in the league by now.

“I am saying this because he had more time to prepare for this season. He joined the team in the middle of last season, and everyone believed that he will be settled by August.

“He also had enough pre-season games to prepare his team, with which he also won the Carling Black Label Cup. VV is a good coach who knows South African style of football and nobody expected him to struggle.

“He should have adapted with ease at Pirates because he also knew how they play when he came. At the moment, I don’t see Pirates living up to expectations this season.”

“Ronaldo” joined the Sea Robbers in the second round of the 2006/07 season from Black Leopards, during the reign of the late Bibey Mutombo.

In his short spell with the Soweto giants, the 34-year-old scored four goals in the league before heading back to Lidoda Duvha.

Pirates will be looking to break their winless run when they face Wits in their MTN8 semi-final first leg clash at the Bidvest Stadium on Sunday.

Kick-off is at 15:00.