Although Eric Tinkler's side were applauded for reaching the CAF Confederation Cup Final late last year and are now in the last 16 of the Nedbank Cup, in the Absa Premiership they have been blowing hot and cold, failing to get the consistency desired and they have spend most of their time in and out of the top eight.
And Sikhosana, 46, who helped bring the gold star on Pirates’ jersey by scoring that vital goal in the African Champions Cup Final in 1995, says reaching the Cup Final is what the team has to do and also finish in the top eight.
“I think it would be best to go all the way, even if not winning it, but playing in the Nedbank Cup Final and also finishing in a high position,” Sikhosana tells snl24.com/kickoff.
“We want to see them playing in the top eight next season and they are one of the teams you expect to be there.
“Against Bidvest Wits, they lost playing well and they couldn't take their chances. I think that loss was not a train smash at all, it was just matter of defending and scoring goals which was not there for Pirates. But they are still a team for me that is on form and I hope they continue playing well.”
While the team has not been performing to the way they are expected, recently they have shown signs of a revival having won four of their last five matches, but ‘Legs of Thunder’ says the players need to look themselves in the mirror because the coach cannot be taking the stick all the time when the team suddenly plays badly.
“Everywhere in this game players need to take responsibility because whatever the coach does at training, it’s up to the players to implement it during the game,” he adds.
“If, as a player, you don't do your duty you are bound to fail; it's not about individuals … yes an individual can make a mistake that can cost the whole team, but also other players must come to the party in terms of playing their roles.”
For Pirates, who are currently seventh on the log table after 23 games with 32 points, the Nedbank Cup might be the last chance saloon as they face Jomo Cosmos, a team they trounced 5-0, which was their biggest win so far this season, on 3 April at Olen Park.
