Orlando Pirates legend Tebogo Moloi is urging the club's supporters and the team to unite during these challenging times.
Pirates fans are understandably worried following the team’s two defeats in their opening league matches, which has led to calls for new coach Abdeslam Ouaddou to be dismissed.
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“Being an Orlando Pirates supporter is not for the faint-hearted; what is happening to the team is not new,” Moloi tells KickOff.
“Other teams’ supporters are celebrating the downfall of Orlando Pirates. Every team wants to beat Pirates.
“I don’t understand why the supporters are panicking so early in the season. Why are we panicking, Buccaneers? We need to remain calm.
“Don’t allow what’s happening around you to shake you. I will only start to worry after five games. Also, this is a wake-up call for the new players. It’s during tough times that you need to show you are made of Orlando Pirates material. This is the right moment for the new players to help lift Pirates out of its current situation.
“If I were at Pirates right now, I would tell the new players, 'Hey, if fear is consuming you, please go to the office and ask the chairman to release you'. Why should we be afraid? Pirates is not a club for cowards.
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“The chairman and his sons are still with the club, so why should we be afraid, my fellow supporters? Our negativity affects the players. As loyal supporters, this is the time to raise our hands and show we are true Buccaneers. Speaking to you right now, I’m wearing a Pirates shirt. I’m a true Buccaneer.
“Pirates will always surprise you when the odds are stacked against them. I’m not worried about the two losses.”
Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
