Chiefs legend hails 'special' Pirates

Despite their recent poor run of form, retired Bafana Bafana star Stanton Fredericks has revealed what he believes is a special factor in Orlando Pirates' squad this season.

The Buccaneers have lost two of their last two matches and are at risk of missing out on a CAF Champions League spot, that could go to Stellenbosch FC, who sit second on the table with a point more.

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Nevertheless, Pirates have already secured one trophy for the season in the successful defence of their MTN8 title and will take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the Nedbank Cup on 1 June.

Speaking to KickOff, Fredericks believes there is something special about the current Pirates squad.

"There is a health competition in the side, that's first and foremost. Look at when Evidence Makgopa returned [from AFCON] with an injury, [Tshegofatso] Mabasa steps up," the 45-year-old stated.

"When [Monnapule] Saleng gets a bit of a dip in form and [Patrick] Maswanganyi can fill in. Now Saleng is not happy on the bench and he makes his mark.

"Those are signs of a team that wants to win and is able to win. When [Makhehlene] Makhaula is not a starter and he gets an opportunity, and he fights for that position, but now you have Thalente Mbatha and you still have Miguel Timm.

"So, there are solutions in all positions. There is healthy competition in the team. That's what makes them a special team this season and those are all signs of a team that wants to win."

ALSO READ | Pirates striker wanted back home

Pirates are the second-highest scoring team this season with 43 goals netted from 29 matches, with only Mamelodi Sundowns having scored more - 52 from the same number of games.

The Sea Robbers will have their chance to fight for second spot when they host SuperSport United on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.

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