Orlando Pirates FC's current squad has been ranked better than the iconic 2002/03 league-winning team. Jimmy Kauleza, a legend of the club, believes the current team's collective spirit and mental fortitude are key to their success. The 2002/03 season is often remembered as a high-water mark for the club, as they secured the league title with 61 points, finishing six clear of their nearest rivals, SuperSport United.
What happened?
Reflecting on the differences between the two eras, Kauleza pointed to the psychological environment of the dressing room as the deciding factor. The former striker was candid about the obstacles that prevented the 2003 team from dominating in the same way the current treble-winners have.
Why it matters for Orlando Pirates FC
Kauleza believes that the current group has achieved a level of consistency that his teammates simply could not match due to internal friction. He suggested that having too many high-profile stars in one place created a culture of ego and competition that sometimes worked against the team's best interests on the pitch.
What comes next?
The current Pirates team is playing in one spirit, and the coach is pushing them. Kauleza told KickOff, "We had quality, but the spirit was not there. We had better quality than them, but these boys are really pushing themselves. "Jealousy was our biggest let down.”
League standing: 1st in Premier Soccer League, 7 pts, 2W-1D-0L from 3 games, recent form WDW.
