Former footballer Masilo Machaka has praised Orlando Pirates for their impressive squad depth and recruitment strategy, insisting that the Buccaneers currently have better-quality players than their Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs.

Machaka believes Pirates have assembled a squad filled with talented footballers who can compete against any team in the Betway Premiership. He also questioned the quality available to Chiefs, particularly when comparing the two clubs' starting lineups and substitutes.

According to Machaka, Orlando Pirates have done an excellent job in strengthening their squad, bringing in players who can make a difference whenever they are given an opportunity.

"Orlando Pirates is the best team in the country. Orlando Pirates has too many quality players, the best quality ever. Look at how they recruit and the players they have who can take on any other team in the Betway Premiership. Orlando Pirates have better players than the Phefeni Glamour Boys. You could see that with Kaizer Chiefs' starting 11 and the players on the bench. There was no game-changer," Machaka said.

He further explained that Pirates were the better team during the Soweto Derby, pointing to their attacking performance, particularly towards the closing stages of the match.

Machaka believes the Buccaneers created several opportunities that could have resulted in more goals, even before Miguel Reisinho received his red card.

He mentioned Evidence Makgopa's opportunity and Tshepang Moremi's attacking contributions as examples of the chances Pirates created during the encounter.

According to him, the Buccaneers could have scored three or four goals during the final stages of the match if they had taken advantage of their clear-cut opportunities.

Machaka also believes the difference in squad quality between the two Soweto giants remains significant, arguing that Kaizer Chiefs still have considerable work to do before they can match their rivals.

"Orlando Pirates were the better team on the day. You can look at the second half, especially the last 10 minutes. They were all over us, even before Miguel got a red card. Makgopa got a chance, and Moremi could have scored a hat-trick. Pirates could have scored three or four goals with those clear-cut chances. Kaizer Chiefs players cannot reach the level of Orlando Pirates players. We are still far behind in terms of quality," he added.

His comments have added another talking point to the rivalry between the two Soweto giants.

While both clubs continue to compete for domestic honours, Machaka's assessment highlights the ongoing debate about squad quality, recruitment and the gap between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.

For the Buccaneers faithful, his remarks will certainly be welcomed as praise for the club's recruitment strategy and the quality currently available to the technical team.

Source; https://www.facebook.com/100082701413998/posts/1124950626938307/?app=fbl