Sebola slams Pirates' selfish play

Former Orlando Pirates striker Andries Sebola has expressed the view that the club's players failed to secure the league title against Durban City FC due to an excessive focus on individual achievement.

Sebola attributes the outcome to the Buccaneers' over-reliance on individual skillfulness and a deficiency in incisive passing, which ultimately led to a 0-0 draw against a defensively disciplined Durban City FC.

As the match progressed and frustration mounted against Durban City's well-organized defense, key Pirates players Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng began to overcompensate.

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They shifted towards attempting to score from distance rather than distributing the ball to better-positioned teammates.

"In my opinion, they had already won the game before it was played. This was the first instance where they played a match requiring three points to win the league, but they failed to adhere to the coach's instructions," Sebola told KickOff.

The retired footballer said Pirates players sought personal glory, adding that they exhibited selfish play and failing to pass the ball as they normally would.

"Each player appeared eager to secure a place in history. This approach played into Durban City's hands, who are adept at defending high crosses due to their tall defenders," he says.

Sebola, says as a result, Pirates failed to score a single goal despite taking 19 corner kicks, whereas City secured only one.

"I am uncertain whether the Pirates' coaching staff emphasizes corner kick practice during training."

The former striker emphasized the importance of mental composure heading into the upcoming match, which promises to be challenging.

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He noted that Orbit College also requires points to remain in the Premier Soccer League, and that they are likely to employ tactics similar to those used by Durban City, aiming to secure at least a draw.

Furthermore, he identified ongoing issues with the team's finishing ability in offensive scenarios.