AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane believes Orlando Pirates deserve to be rewarded for their consistency, noting that the club has been “knocking on the door” for several seasons with consecutive second-place finishes.
The Buccaneers currently require just three points to leapfrog Mamelodi Sundowns and officially clinch the Betway Premiership title.
While Sundowns have already completed their fixture list, the “Sea Robbers” have two games in hand against Durban City and Orbit College.
Following the Brazilians’ shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Tuesday, a victory for Pirates against City this Saturday would secure the championship with a game to spare.
Zwane expressed confidence in the Soweto giants, stating it is highly unlikely they will “bottle” the league or fail to secure a win in their final two outings.
He further likened Pirates’ journey to that of Arsenal in the Premier League, noting that both sides have worked tirelessly over recent seasons to reach the verge of glory.
“Yes, anything might happen, but there in Orlando, that Arena,” said Zwane.
“Guys, sometimes we’ve got to give credit where it’s due. That place, gentlemen. If people go there, they get five, they get six. We got three there, my guy.
“That team is at a different level, when they play there. That is why we’ve got to give credit where it’s due. But take that very same team two, three years ago.
“You could see it coming. They’ve been knocking. You understand? So when you look at football, we needed that competition in football.
“And for them to push the way they push, at some point they deserve something. You get what I mean? They’ve been number two, number two. They’ve been coming.
“What you see is what you see in England today. Me, personally, I don’t support Arsenal. But I will tell you, for the coach, in terms of the effort, for the team that they’ve been knocking, pushing, for competition with football, Arsenal must win it.
“It’s just that here, I’m in this PSL, I can’t say so-and-so must win it. Because I’m a coach, I should have been fighting for those honours.
“But when you look at the amount of work and for the fact that they’ve been knocking.”