Orlando Pirates Coach Faces Fan Fury After Back-to-Back Losses: “Losing Twice Is Unacceptable — But Blame Me If You Must”

The Orlando Pirates’ season has hit a rocky patch, with two straight losses shaking the confidence of the team and igniting frustration among their passionate fanbase.

In a candid interview, head coach Sihle Nduli addressed the growing unrest and the mounting pressure to deliver results.

“It is totally unacceptable,” Nduli said without hesitation.

“The way we started the league, specifically the DStv Premiership, is unacceptable.

There’s no justification whatsoever to lose two games in a row, at home and away, and drop those six points.”

His blunt admission is a rare moment of self-reflection in the high-stakes world of professional football, where excuses often abound.

Nduli reminded everyone that Orlando Pirates entered the season with big ambitions — goals to win the league and compete at the highest level.

Yet, despite these lofty aims, they have already dropped crucial points early on, a situation he described as “spilled milk” that can’t be cried over.

Instead, the focus must shift to moving forward.

Looking ahead, Nduli highlighted the upcoming clash against Mamelodi Sundowns, a fixture loaded with history and rivalry.

He recalled previous encounters, including a goalless draw at home and a commanding 3-0 away victory in the MTN8 semi-finals last season.

“We have beaten Sundowns in the final of the MTN8 as well,” he noted, urging confidence that the team can return to winning ways.

However, Nduli did not shy away from acknowledging the fans’ growing frustration.

“I’ve seen others talking about the coach must go, it’s chaos on social media,” he admitted.

“There is no doubt the coach must win tomorrow. He has a lot of pressure. You cannot lose two games in a row at home. You cannot lose three games in a row across all competitions. It’s totally not going to be tolerated. It’s unacceptable.”

The pressure cooker atmosphere around the club is palpable.

Nduli understands the high expectations that come with leading a “big institution” like Orlando Pirates, a club that consistently competes for titles.

“It is normal that fans will not be happy when a club loses two games in a row,” he said.

“We are not happy ourselves as well.”

Despite the criticism, the coach remains resolute in his commitment to turning things around.

“The team will get back to winning ways.

It’s not going to be easy, but they have to,” he promised.

Nduli pointed out that the last victory came in the first game of the season—a 2-0 win against Polokwane City in the MTN8 tournament—but emphasized that the quality of opposition matters.

“Sundowns is higher quality. They are the defending champions of the DStv Premiership. We are the defending champions of the MTN8.”

The upcoming match against Sundowns carries extra weight, especially with the away goals rule in play.

Nduli stressed the importance of not conceding at home while pushing for a win.

“If it’s a draw, it’s not a horrific result, but based on how we’ve been doing, we don’t want a draw.

We want to win that game and not concede,” he said.

Defensive solidity has been a recurring problem for the Pirates, but Nduli expressed cautious optimism.

“In the MTN8, you’ve kept a clean sheet and won a match. So, let’s see how it goes. All the best at the back. Fully behind you guys tomorrow. I believe we are going to definitely beat Sundowns.”

The coach’s message is clear: the team must respond to the criticism with performance, not excuses.

Fans, meanwhile, are watching closely—ready to celebrate a comeback or call for more drastic changes if the losses continue.

Orlando Pirates now stand at a crossroads.

The season’s early setbacks have exposed vulnerabilities, but the resilience of the squad and leadership will be tested in the coming weeks.

Nduli’s acknowledgment of the fans’ frustration and his vow to deliver results add a human element to the high-pressure environment.

In football, patience is often in short supply, and the Pirates’ supporters expect nothing less than excellence.

Whether Nduli’s team can silence the doubters and reclaim their winning form remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the drama surrounding Orlando Pirates is far from over, and the next match could be a defining moment for the coach and his players alike.