Lebitso started the campaign as the club's first-choice right-back but has since found himself competing with Kamogelo Sebelebele, Deano van Rooyen and Bandile Shandu, while injuries have also disrupted his momentum.

Despite the situation, the 34-year-old remains unfazed, stressing that playing for Orlando Pirates requires a team-first mentality.

"When you are playing for Orlando Pirates, it's important to support the next one that's playing at that particular time, so when I was playing regularly at the start of the season it was my time," Lebitso said.

"Obviously when we want to win the league, we need to work together, so whoever plays, whoever the coach selects, it's important for me to support him.

"We want to win the league and the league is a marathon, so we will need everyone. It's not really about who plays ... whoever is playing should do their job wholeheartedly and if you are not playing, you should wait for your chance."

Pirates' depth has been bolstered by a strong recruitment drive, with the likes of Oswin Appollis, Sihle Nduli, Sipho Mbule and Sebelebele arriving to strengthen an already competitive squad.

That depth has intensified battles for starting spots, particularly in defence, but Lebitso believes the internal competition is healthy and necessary for a team aiming to win trophies.

"I don't think viewing it [competition] on who can take your position, playing for Orlando Pirates, is about working together," he said.

"So, we want to win the trophies, we want to win the league, as I said, the league is a marathon, and we need everyone, it's not about who plays or not playing. Whenever you get a chance to play, you take it wholeheartedly, and if you're not playing, you wait for your chance."

Pirates have shown their quality in recent weeks, most notably with a commanding 6-0 victory over TS Galaxy, which saw them return to the top of the Betway Premiership standings.

The emphatic win came shortly after a 1-1 draw against Siwelele, a result that had sparked doubts about their title credentials from outside observers.

Lebitso, however, says the squad has not been distracted by shifting public opinion.

"As I've said, the league is a marathon — so obviously we have hiccups here and there. Looking at what people were saying [after they drew against Siwelele at home], I don't think that was important for us to pay attention to it," he said.

He also dismissed suggestions that the title race is already decided, especially with several matches still to play.

"A league is a marathon," Lebitso emphasised.

"Obviously, we had hiccups here and there, but listening to what people are saying, I don't think it's more important because we are still left with eight games to play.

"People are saying the league is already gone; I don't think it is. For instance, we just won 6-0 (against TS Galaxy), and suddenly people have a different perspective about us. But again, the league is a marathon, and we will push as much as we can until the end."

Defending champions Orlando Pirates begin MTN8 defense against superSport United