Timm explains why Pirates are closing gap on Sundowns

Miguel Timm is convinced Orlando Pirates are closing the gap on Mamelodi Sundowns, revealing what the Soweto giants have been doing right.

Pirates have been in scintillating form lately, enjoying their best season in ages as they have won the MTN8, booked a spot in the CAF Champions League and in the Nedbank Cup final.

The Soweto giants may have failed to give Sundowns a run for their money for the DStv Premiership, but they managed to topple the 2016 African champions as they clinched the top eight title.

In addition, Pirates beat rivals Kaizer Chiefs to reach the Nedbank Cup, where they will face Sekhukhune United on Saturday, 27 May 2023, at Loftus in Pretoria.

However, due to inconsistent form at the start of the season, Pirates finished as the bridesmaids to Sundowns, who clinched their sixth league title in a row.

However, Pirates had a better second half of the season as they upstaged Sundowns in the league.

The Sea Robbers managed to collect 35 points from a possible 45 in their final 15 games. In the same period, Sundowns bagged 33 points.

The momentum Pirates generated towards the end of the season is a reflection of the pieces of the puzzle coming together.  

MIGUEL TIMM CONFIDENT ORLANDO PIRATES WILL CLOSE GAP

“I don’t, and none of us compares ourselves to Sundowns,” said Timm. “We’ve set our foundation. The more we improve on what we’ve done this season, the closer we will get, and time will tell.

“I’m very confident that the gap will be closed for the work that we’ve done. If we continue to focus on what we’re doing, and not compare ourselves and our journey to anyone else’s, we’ll soon be there.”

Timm admits Sundowns have dominated local football in the last decade while Pirates have blown hot and cold.

However, he believes his team is not far off, with the foundation laid to challenge for the 20223/24 title.

“It is focusing on our own journey. We never once compared ourselves to say how far off we are from the log leaders, champions [Sundowns],” added Timm.

“We’ve always tried to be better than we were previously. Correct and fix the way we’ve been playing.

“The system has been brought in by the technical team. It has seen us as individuals improve and also as a collective.

“We’re starting to reap the rewards. I think if we can carry on the way we’re doing things into the new season, two or three years from now, we’ll be thankful for the foundation that’s been set this season.

“So, we are happy with the progress that we’ve made so far.”

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