Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)

Buccaneers aim for a clean sweep – Timm

- MIHLALI BALEKA mihlali.baleka@inl.co.za

MIGUEL Timm has a history of reaching cup finals, but he wants to go all the way with Orlando Pirates in the Premiershi­p marathon.

Timm lost out on the Nedbank Cup with Maritzburg United after reaching the final in 2019, losing to Free State Stars in Cape Town.

He won the 2021 edition with Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhand­ila against Chippa United, before losing out on last season’s crown with Marumo Gallants.

Gallants were basically defending their trophy en route to their final defeat against Mamelodi Sundowns after they bought the status of TTM.

Timm, though, has since left Gallants and joined the Sea Robbers where he’s fitted like a glove, playing seven matches thus far.

Despite his impressive form in the midfield, Pirates have stuttered – winning three league matches, drawing two and losing two since the start.

But Timm and Co, who were bruised 1-0 by Maritzburg in their last league match, are eager to get their title aspiration­s back on track tonight.

The Bucs will host TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium, with eyes set to be fixed on Timm.

He has played more matches this term than any other central midfielder at Pirates, who’ll miss the suspended Goodman Mosele tonight.

“I wouldn’t say I’ve played a lot of games. I recently made my fifth start,” Timm played down his bright start during Pirates’ media day this week.

“But I did express to the technical team that I want to learn about the transition, new system, and my teammates which will, obviously, take time.

“I think I’ve worked hard enough to earn the minutes that I have so far.

“I’ve tried to improve in each game that has passed by since day one.

“But, obviously, there’s still big room for improvemen­t and I hope to work hard. “There’s a tough competitio­n here. “There are internatio­nals.”

Timm is fighting for a starting berth with players such as Mosele, Ben Motshwari and Thabang Monare who’ve all represente­d Bafana Bafana.

Pirates’ lukewarm start to the season has seen them drop to fifth on the log as they trail leaders and champions Mamelodi Sundowns by two points.

But the 30 year old has faith in his teammates and technical team that they can bring back the club’s glory days and win the title this campaign.

“I am a born winner. I’ve proven that with smaller clubs, having reached three cup finals in my past four seasons,” he said. “It doesn’t feel any different here.

“But obviously the expectatio­ns from the club management and the fans are high. And I take that as a motivation.

“We want to make the people happy and get the club more trophies, something that hasn’t happened much in the last few years though.

“One hundred percent, we want to win all the cups that are up for grabs, especially the league. It’s a marathon and we are only seven games in,” Timm said.

“We know there’s been a bit of inconsiste­ncy but not for a lack of trying.

“We’ve been creating but not converting. We’ve got to try and correct that.”

 ?? BackpagePi­x ?? MIGUEL Timm of Orlando Pirates. |
SYDNEY MAHLANGU
BackpagePi­x MIGUEL Timm of Orlando Pirates. | SYDNEY MAHLANGU

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