Online Reporter
Blessing Malinganiza
Zimpapers Sports Hub
JUST five months after swapping the blue and white of Marumo Gallants for the famous black jersey of Orlando Pirates, winger Daniel Msendami stands on the verge of achieving what no Buccaneers player has done in 14 years, lifting the Betway Premier Soccer League trophy.
The Zimbabwe international joined Pirates in a high-profile January transfer that saw him leave a mid-table battle for a full-blown title charge.
Pirates need just one win from their remaining two matches to be crowned champions after defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to TS Galaxy on Tuesday night in their final fixture of the campaign.
Sundowns finish the season in which they are also chasing CAF Champions League success, on 68 points.
But Msendami and his Buccaneers sit just three points behind with two games in hand and a superior goal difference.
For Msendami, the timing of his move could not have been more perfect.
Speaking at his unveiling in January, Msendami did not hide his emotions.
“Joining Orlando Pirates for me is like a dream come true because it’s one of the biggest teams in Africa,” he said back then.
“I am very direct. I am a winger who is very direct and always thinking of going forward when I get the ball,” he added.
Winning the South African Premiership title or finishing runners-up, should they choke and falter, will guarantee Msendami an opportunity to play Champions League football next season.
In joining Pirates, Msendami also became the latest in a string of Zimbabweans to sign for the Soweto giants, joining a lineage that includes Innocent Chikoya, Takesure Chinyama, Edelbert Dinha, Gilbert Muzhangazhike, the late Tendai Ndoro, Marshall Munetsi, and Terrence Dzvukamanja.
Pirates face Emmanuel Jalai’s Durban City this weekend at a sold-out Orlando Stadium. Victory against newly-crowned Nedbank Cup winners Durban City will seal the deal for Pirates with their final game against Orbit College to spare.
For Msendami, this is an opportunity to cement his legacy at the club, while his match-up against fellow Warriors international Jalai should be an exciting duel.
“I am looking forward to delivering and scoring goals to help the team win the remaining matches,” he said.
“With all eyes now on us as a team, you wouldn’t want to put yourself under pressure, but to deliver and be part of a historic moment.”
