Sekhukhune United head coach Papi Zothwane has offered his assessment of Orlando Pirates' impressive performances, highlighting the mentality of opposition players as one of the factors that make the Soweto giants difficult to defeat.

Pirates have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign, establishing themselves as a difficult opponent for teams across the league. Their performances have attracted attention, with several sides struggling to find a way to overcome them.

Zothwane believes the challenge is not necessarily limited to Pirates' technical quality but also involves how opposing players approach matches against the club.

The Sekhukhune coach suggested that some footballers may give Pirates too much respect when they come up against them, potentially affecting their confidence and approach during important moments.

"It goes to the players, when they playing Pirates, do they respect the players more than themselves.”

His comments raise an interesting question about the psychological side of football, particularly when teams face opponents with established reputations and strong squads.

Pirates have built a competitive team capable of challenging for major honours, and their unbeaten run reflects the consistency they have demonstrated during the league campaign. However, Zothwane's observation suggests that the attitude of opponents can also influence how matches unfold.

For Sekhukhune United, competing against Pirates requires players to maintain belief in their own abilities rather than becoming intimidated by the reputation of the opposition.

Zothwane's remarks also highlight the importance of confidence and self-belief in top-level football. Teams must recognise the strengths of their opponents while remaining committed to their own game plans.

As the season progresses, Pirates will face more challenges from clubs hoping to end their unbeaten run. Their ability to maintain consistency will be tested as the competition intensifies.

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