Orlando Pirates can defend Betway Premiership title, says Daine Klate

Former Orlando Pirates winger Daine Klate believes the club have the experience and confidence required to retain their Betway Premiership title this season.

Pirates ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ long reign at the top of the division last term, edging them to pole position after a tense title race. Klate says that success should give the Buccaneers a strong foundation as they attempt to remain champions.

The 41-year-old is one of the most decorated former players in the local game. He won the league six times with three different clubs: three titles with the now-defunct SuperSport United, two with Orlando Pirates and one with another former club, Bidvest Wits.

Speaking to iDiski Times senior journalist Matshelane Mamabolo in edition 266 of the newspaper, Klate explained why winning a first league title can make defending it more achievable.

“I think they can,” Klate told iDiski Times.

He believes the confidence gained from a breakthrough league triumph can change a team’s mentality when it begins the following campaign as defending champions.

“The thing about winning the league is that once you get the experience – after winning the first one – defending it becomes almost second nature. That experience of winning the first one gives you the confidence that you can do it again.

“I did it with SuperSport and then with Pirates, and the reason we were able to hold on was because of the belief we gained from winning the first one. Knowing how you did it the first time, the second time becomes, I wouldn’t say easier, but rather more convenient because you have this feeling of knowing the moments in matches.

“You are able to turn what should be losses into draws and the draws into victories. I anticipate Pirates would have that.”

Klate’s own record provides the basis for his view. His six league titles came across three clubs, including successful title defences with SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates.

He said the knowledge acquired during a championship-winning campaign can help players manage decisive moments more effectively. In his assessment, that can make the difference between dropping points and securing results during another demanding title challenge.

The former winger expects Pirates to benefit from that understanding as they try to follow last season’s success with another league triumph. Their previous title victory ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ dominance and gave the club the experience of finishing first in a closely contested race.

Klate’s full interview with Mamabolo is available in edition 266 of iDiski Times. Readers can subscribe through the publication’s media WhatsApp number at no cost.

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