Busy February excites Xoki as Pirates step up league title pursuit

Today, the Buccaneers meet Marumo Gallants in the Betway Premiership before facing Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium next Wednesday, in a top-of-the-table clash. They complete the blockbuster fixture month with the first Soweto derby of the season against archrivals Kaizer Chiefs on the 28th of this month.

"It is very critical, as all the months are, but with this month (February) we tried to extend the advantage we have. We know that it's not going to be easy – the games we are going to play are tough, and the teams are also competing well. The lucky thing for us is that there is a lot of room to improve, and the players understand that. The coaching staff is pushing us hard to understand that," said Xoki

READ: Renaldo Leaner thriving as Sekhukhune’s No.1 amid keeper battle

A win against Gallants at the Orlando Amstel Arena this afternoon could see them extending their lead at the top to six points. This could set up a bumper fixture against Sundowns next Wednesday. Xoki says they have to make full use of their home fixtures this month.

"Ja, from the three fixtures, it's just unfortunate that we are only going to play one at FNB Stadium, but we are looking forward to the run. Playing at home does not automatically mean you're getting the results, but it always gives you the edge, so we're hoping to use that to our advantage starting this weekend"

The competition for starting and match-day squad berths is also very difficult at Pirates, but with the plan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has been using this season, it’s become a healthy competition. Xoki talks about the importance of being there for each other to manage this competition, so that it benefits the team.

Pirates have been so good this season that they are starting to be a points machine, a term their former head coach, Jose Riveiro, had given to Sundowns. Xoki says the early setting of their new players this season has played a big role in this transformation.