ORLANDO Pirates need all their players to be at a much higher level than before in the remaining nine games to give themselves a better chance of winning the Betway Premiership title which has become their in-laws.
Things are currently out of the hands of the Blacks as they are in second place on the log with 48 points from 21 games.
They are two points behind Mamelodi Sundowns who are on top with 50 points from 48 games.
Apart from praying that Sundowns will drop points in the remaining games, Pirates need to try to collect all the remaining points in order to use the opportunity to take the lead in case the Brazilians stumble.
One of the players who will be the most important in these remaining games is goalkeeper Sipho Chaine who has already played a major role in this battle since the start of the 2025/26 season.
Since the start of the season, Pirates have conceded only nine goals in 21 league games this season. In these games, Chaine did not pick up the net in 14.
He not only blocks dangerous balls but also helps to warn his fellow goalkeepers when he sees danger.
On top of that, he is important even when the team attacks as he is the one who can slow down the game to open up spaces, and he can also be used as a player who can be passed if the opponents press the other players back.
His continued good performance in goal and on the field could be the difference between this team winning all the remaining games or losing points again.
As the race for the title heats up, Pirates know that their hopes of surpassing Sundowns do not only depend on attacking but also on maintaining stability at the back.
Ku Chaine has a player who has shown that he can deal with pressure and the way he plays in the coming weeks can decide whether Magebhula’s team will return to the top or if they will accompany Sundowns again. The Blacks last won the league in 2012.
Pirates will face TS Galaxy in the next league match which will be played at Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit, on Sunday at 3.30 pm.