Pirates defender Zulu says ‘we fear no one’ after 4-0 victory

Orlando Pirates defender Sbangani Zulu has warned the rest of the Betway Premiership that the unbeaten Buccaneers are not afraid of any opponent after their emphatic 4-0 win over Kruger United.

The Soweto club maintained their perfect start to the campaign with another commanding performance at Mbombela Stadium. The result leaves Orlando Pirates three points clear at the top of the table after five matches.

Zulu was named Man of the Match following an assured display in central defence. The 22-year-old, who joined the Sea Robbers from Richards Bay at the beginning of the season, played a key role as Pirates kept Kruger United at bay and completed another convincing league victory.

The defender said the match had been particularly demanding in the first half, when Kruger United looked to exploit space with a crossing-focused approach.

“I will first say thanks to God, thanks to my family, our supporters and my teammates for supporting me,” Zulu told SuperSport TV.

“The first half was difficult because Kruger players had no striker. They wanted to attack through crosses to get a goal and they came in numbers.

“So I will also say thanks to my partner, Seema, because she helped me and we had agreed that whatever happens, we do not concede in the first half.”

Zulu also explained how he was required to provide cover during a crucial defensive moment. He credited his central-defensive partner, Sipho, for the work he contributes to the team throughout each match.

“The ball had already passed over Sipho and I had to be there to assist because I could not let him down because he also helps us every game,” he added.

The former Richards Bay player said the message from the Pirates coach at half-time was to show greater belief and intensity after the break. The players responded by pressing Kruger United more aggressively and refusing to be overawed by their opponents.

“In the second half, the coach told us to play and not respect the opponents, we should press them and we did that exactly.

“When we play with confidence, there is nothing you can do to us because we fear no one.”

The victory extends Orlando Pirates’ unbeaten opening to the Betway Premiership season and strengthens their position at the summit after five fixtures. Their immediate focus will now move away from domestic competition and towards the CAF Champions League.

Pirates begin their continental campaign in the first qualifying round against La Cure Sylvester on Sunday, 6 September.