The Happy People, as Orlando Pirates supporters dubbed themselves in happier times, are putting on a brave front.
But after a string of recent setbacks seriously dented their team’s Premier Soccer League (PSL) championship prospects, the ultimate indignity could emerge on Wednesday night if the Buccaneers surrender the log lead they have enjoyed for most of the season on the eve of the PSL preparing for a two-month break.
It would indeed be a lonely and dismal spell for Pirates while attention shifts to the African Nations Cup, should they fail to beat Classic in a home fixture at Johannesburg Stadium after successive derby defeats against old foes Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows.
A victory for Mamelodi Sundowns simultaneously against Black Leopards in Giyani and any loss of points by Pirates against Classic would mean a dramatic — and until recently — unforeseen change in the PSL leadership.
But whatever the outcome of the two games to decide who goes into the PSL recess in top position, the break will herald an uneasy period of introspection for Pirates and coach Kosta Papic.
The Buccaneers currently head Sundowns by a mere point from one extra game, with Kaizer Chiefs, Silver Stars and Swallows all involved in the title race and thoughts of Pirates heading the log by 10 points a distant memory indeed.
Swallows face Free State Stars at Charles Mopeli Stadium on Wednesday afternoon, while Silver Stars cross swords with Jomo Cosmos at Dobsonville Stadium and Chiefs travel to Thohoyandou on Thursday to face Black Leopards in other games that will have a significant bearing on the championship battle. — Sapa
Fixtures
Wednesday: Free State Stars vs Moroka Swallows at Charles Mopeli Stadium (3.45pm); Golden Arrows vs Bloemfontein Celtic at King’s Park Soccer Stadium (3.45pm); Dynamos vs Sundowns at Giyani Stadium (8pm); Orlando Pirates vs Classic at Johannesburg Stadium (7.30pm); Ajax Cape Town vs Santos at Green Point Stadium (8pm); Jomo Cosmos vs Silver Stars at Dobsonville Stadium (3.45pm).
Thursday: Supersport United vs Bush Bucks at Loftus (8pm); Black Leopards vs Kaizer Chiefs at Thohoyandou (3.45pm).