Former Chiefs coach explains why Pirates are ‘best’ team in South Africa

Former Kaizer Chiefs mentor and current AmaZulu FC head coach Arthur Zwane has offered a fascinating tactical endorsement of Orlando Pirates, asserting that the Buccaneers’ “unstoppable” flexibility has made them the most dominant force in the country.

Zwane, who recently watched his Usuthu side suffer a 3-0 defeat at the hands of the Soweto giants, believes the current Pirates outfit has mastered the art of the modern game. The victory at the Orlando Amstel Arena propelled Abdeslam Ouaddou’s men to the summit of the Betway Premiership, where they currently sit with 58 points—two ahead of Mamelodi Sundowns, who hold two games in hand.

The Buccaneers’ rise to the top has been fueled by a staggering run of offensive form. They have plundered 16 goals in their last four matches alone, a run that includes a 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy and a 5-0 thumping of Golden Arrows.

Statistically, Pirates are in a league of their own this season. With 50 goals scored and only 11 conceded, they boast both the most potent attack and the meanest defence in the division. While recent draws against Siwelele and Richards Bay FC have kept the door ajar for Sundowns, Zwane insists the “identity” Pirates have established is unmatched.

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The former Kaizer Chiefs mentor, known for his own tactical leanings toward expansive football, pointed to the Buccaneers’ ability to cause “confusion” in the opposition ranks as their greatest strength.

“What makes Pirates difficult to face is their tactical flexibility; it’s unstoppable,” Zwane told FARPost. “I’ve always been a fan of those. I’ve always been a coach who likes players that can play as number 10s, wingers, or a top man. It causes a lot of confusion and unlocks opponents.”

Zwane specifically highlighted how Pirates utilise their full-backs to create numerical advantages in the final third.

“They know when to overload, how to overload. It’s not about the size of the players, but the dynamic players you have. When they overload with full-backs, they are very comfortable. Anyone from Pirates can score at any given time. They don’t rely only on the strikers to score goals.”

‘The Best in the Country’

With Pirates chasing their first league title since 2012, Zwane’s admission carries significant weight given his deep ties to their arch-rivals. However, the former Chiefs boss was adamant that the current log leaders have found the perfect balance between individual brilliance and a collective system.

“They keep the ball very well; they shape it nicely inside the box because they know how to use players like [Yanela] Mbuthuma and Evidence Makgopa. The identity is there, and that’s the reason they are the best team in the country right now,” Zwane, who is also a Chiefs legend, added.