Orlando Pirates striker Kermit Erasmus has revealed how his role at the club goes far beyond scoring goals, explaining how he helps his teammates.
Erasmus showed both his scoring and leadership side on Saturday, as the Soweto giants finally beat Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 in the Nedbank Cup semi-final at packed to rafters FNB Stadium on Saturday.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns striker stabbed home the opener from close range after Monnapule Saleng weaved away from the defenders. It was Erasmus’ second goal in the Derby having first scored in the 2013 league draw.
While Chiefs found an equaliser through Pirates graduate Yusuf Maart, tall defender Sandile Mthethwa ensured the Buccaneers booked their place in the final by heading home a brilliant header in the extra time following a superb delivery by Philip Ndlondlo.
Erasmus says he uses plenty of visual communication with his teammates on the field, especially in the Soweto Derby where the roar of the fans makes verbal communication very difficult.
“If I see things aren’t going the way we’ve planned on the field, you’ll see a response from me. As a senior player I know what’s expected of us as players for this club,” said Erasmus to Vlismas Media.
“I’ll help players to understand this and believe in themselves. I’m that positive voice in their ears to help them achieve what they’re capable of and make sure they don’t doubt themselves.
“But the Soweto Derby is a special game on its own. Sometimes there are 94 000 people in the stadium if it’s sold out, so communication on the field is hard because the noise is just so overwhelming.
“That’s when you have to make eye contact with your teammates. Sometimes communicating with your eyes is just as important as communicating verbally. You’ve always got to make sure we’re ok visually by looking at each other on the field and supporting each other.”
Surprisingly, Pirates coach Jose Riveiro went with Erasmus and Terrence Dzvukamanja up top to give Chiefs something to think about, as he has been alternating the two strikers in most games.
Interestingly, when Pirates last won this cup in the 2013/14 season, Erasmus scored two goals as the Bucs beat Bidvest Wits 3-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Erasmus will be gunning for his fourth Ke Yona Cup, having won it in the 2011/12 season with SuperSport United and Sundowns last season. Pirates will now meet Sekhukhune United in the Ke Yona Cup final at Loftus Stadium on 27 May.
