Happy unhappy with Bucs’ inconsistency

Happy Jele (right) says Orlando Pirates need to eliminate the sporadic loss of focus that is causing them to play so inconsistently in 2021.

Winning the Soweto derby last weekend against Kaizer Chiefs, and following that up with a defeat to Golden Arrows in midweek, summed up the Buccaneers’ year so far, in which they have won just three of their nine league games.

“In every game we want to play as a team, but we lose some because of a lack of concentration. All we need to do is put more effort in and be more consistent to win as many games as possible,” said the Pirates skipper.

“Pirates are a big team and we can’t afford to lose games the way we did (against Arrows). We have to work as a team and improve. We need the spirit that we had when we played in the MTN8 (Pirates won the competition last year, their first piece of silverware in seven years).

“If we get the result we want in the next game, we have to follow it up in the next game and can’t allow ourselves to drop off again.”

Pirates’ next game is tomorrow against GladAfrica Championship side Uthongathi FC in the Nedbank Cup last-32.

On a personal level, Jele has forced his way back into the Pirates starting line-up this season, testament to the veteran defender’s character.

“It feels great to have played for Pirates for such a long time. Personally this season didn’t start well. I had to work hard to come back to regain my position. Now at least I’m getting some game time. There is still a lot that I have to improve in my game, but also help the team get something (another trophy).”