Exclusive I Former midfielder Edelbert Dinha has praised Orlando Pirates' character in their league chase

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Edelbert Dinha has praised the Soweto side for their resilience and character following an early-season CAF Champions League exit, saying the Buccaneers have bounced back to become strong contenders for the league title.

The Pirates have endured a challenging period in league football, currently approaching 14 years without claiming the Premiership crown. Currently enjoying the moniker “cup kings” of South African football because of their success in knockout competitions, the league title has for so long proven elusive to them.

Coming into this season, Pirates were not only seen as strong contenders for domestic trophies but were also tipped as one of the sides likely to perform well on the continent, largely because of their achievements the previous season.

After last season’s semi-final exit, few would have predicted that a team with so much quality and improved depth would bow out of the preliminary rounds this year. Their penalty shootout loss to Saint Eloi Lupopo (5-4 after a 3-3 aggregate score) delivered a harsh reality check, compounded by defeats in the opening league fixtures against Marumo Gallants (2-1) and Sekhukhune United (1-0).

Since then, however, the Buccaneers have mounted an impressive recovery. Now three points clear at the summit of the Betway Premiership, they have emerged as a persistent thorn in the side of every league opponent this season.

Dinha, who was part of a league-winning campaign in the 2002/03 season, believes the disappointment of missing out on the Champions League has tested the players’ character — a challenge they have passed with flying colours.

“What I was happy about is that even though they were knocked out of the Champions League, they did not give up," Dinha told the Independent Newspapers

“They showed character, and with their exit, they are now gunning for the league because they want to return to the Champions League next season.

“The players managed to move past it quickly and put their focus on what is at stake now, which is winning trophies and, ultimately, the league. When you have players with that kind of character, anything they want to achieve is possible.”

The former Zimbabwe international added that despite the new arrivals, the unity within the squad is evident both on and off the field.

“You can also see when they play that there is a lot of teamwork, and the players understand each other very well. It’s probably not only on the field but also outside it, and that is very important.

“It’s hard to even pick a first eleven because even the players on the bench are fully capable of starting games. It’s a well-balanced team, and I am certain they will be aiming to win every game they play.”

With two trophies already secured this season — the MTN8 and Carling Knockout — expectations are now at their highest, and Dinha believes it would still be disappointing for Pirates to end the campaign without the league crown.

“I rate their chances of winning the league very high. For the team to only end the season with two trophies would be disappointing for them, considering the quality of players they have,” he concluded.