Ajax tie shelved as Pirates’ schedule tightens

THE clash between Orlando Pirates and Ajax Cape Town at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday has again been postponed, with a date still to be decided by the Premier Soccer League (PSL) when there is a gap in the fixture schedule.

But this is no problem for the Buccaneers, said assistant coach Teboho Moloi, whose team will have to play catch-up in the title race this season because of their Caf Champions League commitments. PSL clubs have so far played just one match this season.

On Wednesday, shortly after the Ajax game was moved, Moloi said the technical team was better prepared to handle the congestion this season.

The Buccaneers found themselves in a similar predicament during the last campaign as they juggled participation in the Champions League as well as trying to defend their Absa premiership trophy, which they eventually surrendered to rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

“It was unfortunate that last season we played catch-up using players that we had just signed. And I can use Mpho Makola and Khethokwakhe Masuku as examples,” Moloi said. “They were still being introduced to the way we play and it took time, but we had to win games to catch up.

“We also struggled with injuries during the season and that affected us. Look at the embarrassing defeats against (second division) Maluti FET, Chippa United, Maritzburg United and Sundowns. Those were all crucial matches we lost because we threw players in the deep end.

“I am thankful to these new players who were thrown in at that time because they got us as far as the group stages of the Champions League even though they were highly inexperienced.”

A closer look at the Pirates fixture list — especially after the Ajax encounter was moved — over the coming months suggests a bumperto-bumper queue on the domestic front and Champions League obligations. The Buccaneers take on Chiefs in the MTN8 semifinal firstleg game at FNB Stadium on Saturday before travelling to Egypt and then the Republic of Congo to take on Zamalek and AC Leopards respectively in the continental competition next month.

While Pirates roam Africa, it is business as usual in the PSL, leaving the Buccaneers with a few games in hand. They will only play once in the league next month.

However, Moloi said no panic buttons should be pressed and he believes the players, including those who are now in their second season with the club, will only benefit.

“I’ve been a player and I know none of them would prefer training over playing matches. The more matches we are involved in, the better as far as they are concerned because suddenly everyone is positive about getting a chance to play,” the coach said.

“Plus, we have a big and balanced squad to select from. The only challenge is how to handle the pressure when you are catching up and chasing Chiefs or Sundowns.”

Moloi said the only way the Buccaneers could be on the back foot as games pile up would be if they play the way they did in the 1-0 defeat to AmaZulu in their league opener at home. “It’s important to stay calm even if you reach 60 minutes and you still haven’t broken the opposition’s defence. Pressure then mounts, and you repeat the errors.”