Lekgwathi: Orlando Pirates players didn't want to perform for other coaches

Legendary Orlando Pirates defender Lucky Lekgwathi says the change of attitude from the players has led to the club’s change in fortunes in recent matches.

“Players changed their attitude; that’s it,” Lekgwathi told The Star.

The 40-year-old admits that the players vowed to perform and give their best from now on.

“The club went through a tough time in this campaign mainly because of that. Players didn’t want to perform under the previous coaches for reasons, to this day, I do not know,” Lekgwathi said.

“Look at Oupa Manyisa for example. He went through a slump for a long time and now, all of a sudden, he knows how to play brilliantly again.

“The arrival of a new coach can have that effect on players and that’s mainly because they have a lot to prove to the new coach. It's a mental thing, really,” Lekgwathi added.

With the confidence back in full swing, Lekgwathi backs them to end the campaign on a high by winning the Nedbank Cup and finishing in the top eight like they did in the 2013/14 season.

“I believe they can do it. That’s what we did in the 2013/14 season. We knew the league title was out of our reach, so we focused on finishing in the top eight and clinched the Nedbank Cup,” Lekgwathi said.

“This is what the current group of players need to do. They must fight to the finish and I am confident they can do it.

"They are skilful, talented and a wonderful team. The confidence is back. It can be done,” Lekgwathi added.

The Sea Robbers are at the moment in danger of missing out on the top eight and have battled to get results all season long.

They were also subjected to record-breaking six-goal defeats by Tshwane sides SuperSport United and Mamelodi Sundowns.