The KZN-born coach has delivered a stinging assessment of the Sea Robbers' attacking prowess after his side held the Soweto giants to a frustrating 0-0 draw on Saturday. The result leaves the Buccaneers' title charge in serious jeopardy, with the interim coach insisting his side felt comfortable throughout the encounter at the Orlando Amstel Arena.
The Amakhosi co-coach has offered a candid assessment of the club’s season, insisting the Glamour Boys were genuine title contenders for large parts of the campaign. He believes Chiefs consistently pushed the log leaders and remained firmly in the mix until a late-season dip slowed their momentum. Despite that setback, the Burundian tactician feels there is plenty to take forward, highlighting there's lessons picked and how they can be done differently going forward as the team looks to mount a stronger and more sustained challenge at the summit in the future.
Junior Khanye has come out swinging, questioning the Moroccan coach’s team selection after the Buccaneers were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Durban City. The result has thrown a major spanner in the works of the Soweto giants’ Premier Soccer League title charge, as they squandered a golden chance to tighten their grip on the race.
The Sea Robbers winger has urged his teammates to ignore the outside noise after a frustrating afternoon at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers saw their Premier Soccer League title ambitions suffer a significant blow following a goalless draw against a resilient Durban City side.
The 20-year-old South African defender was, together with goalkeeper Chris Brady, instrumental in keeping L'Impact at bay. Puso Dithejane got more minutes under his belt as a second half substitute as the Men in Red closed the distance on the log leaders with their second win in a row.
The Buccaneers coach was a visibly frustrated figure at the final whistle as tempers flared on the touchline. The Moroccan revealed that his reaction was driven by a desire to ensure player safety, specifically citing a late challenge on his goalkeeper during the match, making it clear he accepts physicality is part of the game but there is a limit that should not be crossed for the sake of the players' careers.
Manchester United, often simply referred to as "United," are one of the most iconic and successful football clubs in the world, based in Old Trafford, Greater Manchester, England. The club was founded as Newton Heath LYR Football Club in 1878 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway depot at Newton Heath. The team changed its name to Manchester United in 1902 and moved to its current home, Old Trafford, in 1910.
Famous players
Manchester United have been home to some of the greatest footballers in history. Sir Bobby Charlton, a World Cup winner with England in 1966, is arguably the most iconic figure in the club's history. Other legendary players include George Best, known for his flair and skill, and Eric Cantona, who brought a winning mentality to the club during the 1990s. More recent stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, and Paul Scholes have also contributed significantly to the club's success.
Honours
Manchester United are one of the most decorated clubs in English football, having won a record 20 Premier League titles (formerly the First Division). They have also lifted the FA Cup 12 times, the League Cup five times, and the UEFA Champions League three times. The club's dominance in English football was particularly evident during the 1990s and early 2000s under manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Managers
Sir Alex Ferguson is undoubtedly the most successful manager in Manchester United's history. He spent 26 years at the club, leading them to an unprecedented era of success. Before Ferguson, managers like Matt Busby and Wilf McGuinness played crucial roles in shaping the club's identity. More recent managers, including David Moyes, Louis van Gaal, and José Mourinho, have faced the challenge of maintaining the club's high standards.
Stadium
Old Trafford, often referred to as the "Theatre of Dreams," is one of the most famous stadiums in the world. With a capacity of roughly 75,000, it is among the largest football stadiums in the United Kingdom. The stadium has hosted numerous major matches, including UEFA Champions League finals and FIFA World Cup matches.
Location
Manchester United are based in the city of Manchester, which is located in the northwest of England. The club's home ground, Old Trafford, is situated in the Trafford borough. Manchester is a major industrial city with a rich footballing heritage.
Owners
In February 2024, British billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe's company, INEOS, acquired a significant 25% stake in Manchester United. This acquisition granted Ratcliffe sporting control over the club, placing him in a position to influence key decisions related to its operations.
Ratcliffe has already made a substantial financial commitment to Manchester United. His large investments demonstrate his dedication to the club's success and his willingness to provide the necessary resources for its growth.
Frequently asked questions
When were Orlando Pirates founded?
Andries 'Pele Pele' Mkhwanazi and Bethuel Mokgosinyana are considered the founding fathers of the club which was formed in 1937.
Who are the owners of Orlando Pirates?
Dr Irvin Khoza took over as club secretary and owner in 1991.
What is Orlando Pirates stadium called?
The club plays home fixtures at Orlando Stadium in Soweto with the ground being owned by the City of Johannesburg.
What are Orlando Pirates nicknames?
They are known by several nicknames, including: The Sea Robbers, The Bucs, Happy People and Buccaneers.
How many trophies have Orlando Pirates won?
33 official domestic trophies plus one Caf Champions League (1995) and one Caf Super Cup (1996).
How many times have Orlando Pirates won the league?
Nine times under different auspices. PSL (4), NSL (1), NPSL (4).
Who has made the most appearances for Orlando Pirates?