Rhulani Mokwena, coach of Orlando Pirates during the CAF Champions League match between Orlando Pirates and Green Eagles at Orlando Stadium. (Photo by Gallo Images)
Edward Motale believes Orlando Pirates must keep faith with Rulani Mokwena, even though the team have already been knocked out of two cup competitions since he took over as caretaker coach following the surprise resignation of Milutin Sredojevic.
The Buccaneers were beaten 1-0 in the quarterfinals of the MTN8 by Highlands Park and last weekend, saw themselves dumped out of the Caf Champions League at the first hurdle by Green Eagles of Zambia.
It remains to be seen if Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza opts to bring anyone else in, but for now Mokwena will be on the bench as the Buccaneers host Golden Arrows this evening in the Absa Premiership.
“This is no time to change, we must stick with him,” said former Pirates captain Motale on Tuesday.
“Pirates supporters and the club bosses must give Rulani a chance. They must give him ample time. There is no quick fix here. You cannot judge him after three or four results.
“Everyone who takes office comes with their own strategies and methodologies. We must leave him to implement what he wants.”
READ: Pirates coach Mokwena looking forward to Fifa break
The Champions League elimination was particularly disappointing, with Pirates hoping to do better than their group stage exit in last season’s competition.
The club even produced a shirt this season which harked back to the 1995 Champions League winning team.
“I was very disappointed, but the one plus was the team put up a good effort [in the 1-1 draw],” added Motale. “They had about five or six clear chances and stumbled with them.
“A good team creates chances. [Thembinkosi] Lorch could have had a hat trick. In this tournament, if you don’t bury your chances you can forget about it.
“To lose against Highlands Park [in the MTN8 quarterfinal] was not a surprise. In that situation it is not easy to cope, when a coach has left at the last minute.
“Even if Pirates don’t get a good result against Arrows it won’t be a train smash.
“Look at Chiefs. Their supporters have been patient. They finished ninth last season. They were patient with the coach and now they are top of the league.
“But I know Pirates are a results-driven club.”
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