Davids frustrated by missed opportunities after Pirates loss

Orlando Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids says his charges didn’t start the game well, following their 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The Buccaneers had a lot of opportunities throughout the match, especially in the first half.

Downs came into the second half more eager to win the match as Peter Shalulile scored a brace, which saw the Pretoria outfit take maximum points.

“I think we started very nervy from the kick-off. It really put us off our organisational structure against the ball, not being able to put pressure on the ball. After those opening 15 minutes, we settled and we were really good. We had the best opportunities to score. The man-of-the-match award really has to go to Denis Onyango and that shows you the big chances we had today. I think the big difference today was Sundowns taking their two chances, ” said Davids on TV after the match.

“It’s a huge lesson for our players. When you play so well, when you dominate with the ball and without the ball. Especially creating those moments you’ve got to be more clinical. That’s a little bit of the thinking of our players. When it seems like you’re in the ascendancy, one moment, one lapse in concentration and yoú’re 1-0 down.”

The Bucs coach added that he was disappointed with the outcome of the game and says Terrence Dzvukamaja’s injury affected them.

“I am really disappointed for the players, with the hard work they put in. In terms of our build-up and how we were able to get in behind their defensive spaces like we wanted to but we have to be more clinical. We have to take the 1 and 2-0 leads and even coming back in the game the chances we got towards the end, you have to take them. We have to take the next step in the process. But we have to keep our heads up high. It’s a step forward we took today. We’ve got to take it on the chin. We’ve got to learn from these details that we’ve got to correct and move forward,” he added.

“It affected us in a way (the Dzvukumanja injury). He’s had a head injury before so it’s not his first. We had to be cautious in terms of concussion, it destabilised us a bit. But ‘Neverdie’ (Ntsako Makhubela) came in and did well.”

Sundowns’ victory saw thEM extend their lead at the top of DStv Premiership with 13 points after five games. Pirates, meanwhile, have collected eight points from the same number of games.