Lekgwathi Dreaming Of Pirates Treble Celebration

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes the current Buccaneers’ side is showing the same qualities that helped his generation achieve success, with the Soweto giants now firmly in the hunt for a historic treble-winning season.

Following this past weekend’s results, Pirates remain second on the Betway Premiership standings with 65 points from 28 matches, just three points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more.

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Having already lifted the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies this season, Abdeslam Ouaddou’s side still has a realistic chance of completing a remarkable campaign by adding the league title.

Speaking about what has impressed him most about the current Pirates team, Lekgwathi highlighted the collective effort within the squad and the contribution coming from all areas of the pitch.

“One thing about Orlando Pirates is that they play as a team. They attack as a team and defend as a team,” Lekgwathi told Soccer Laduma.

“If you look at the goals they have scored this season, there are defenders who have scored very important goals for the team. When you look back at the history of Orlando Pirates, even during our time, defenders were also contributing with goals and that helped us achieve success, whether it was winning the league, a double or a treble.

“These boys remind us of that generation in many ways. This season Pirates are scoring goals from everywhere. Defenders are scoring, midfielders are scoring and everyone is contributing. That says something to me about this team.”

The former Bucs captain says he would be delighted to see the current side end the club’s long wait for a league title, with Pirates’ last Premiership triumph coming under his captaincy in 2012.

“You know, whenever people speak about 2012, they always mention that Lucky Lekgwathi was the captain when Pirates last won the league title,” he said.

“I would be very happy to see these players win the league and complete a treble. Not just winning the league, but winning it together with other trophies because Pirates has always been known as a club that wins cups. It has been a long time since the club won the league title.

“If they can win the league together with the MTN8 and Carling Knockout, it would match our treble achievement from 2010 and that would be something special.”

Lekgwathi also pointed to the number of records already broken by the current Pirates squad, saying it shows the progress the team has made in recent years.

“If you look at Orlando Pirates, there have been many records broken by this current team. During our time we won the MTN8 back-to-back, but this team has now won it four times in a row. Moeneeb Josephs held the record for the most clean sheets and Sipho Chaine has now broken that record.

“So, if they go on to win the league, they will match our treble achievement and that would be great for the club.”

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The retired defender admitted he is already dreaming of celebrating alongside the players should Pirates complete the job in the coming weeks.

“For me, I will be very happy and excited. I’m already looking forward to celebrating with the players. If they parade the trophy, I will follow the bus wherever it goes because I want to celebrate with them,” Lekgwathi added with a smile.