Lack of goals upsets Pirates coach

“Facial expression just shows something, we know the aspects of outplaying opponents, unfortunately, we didn’t outscore them and my facial expression is the result of [that].

“Despite applying ourselves very well and outplaying our opponents, scoring is a missing factor.”

Pirates find themselves second in the Absa Premiership standings with 41 points, level with Bidvest Wits, who dropped to third on goal difference, while Sundowns remain at the summit of the table with 44 after 24 games.

READ: Pirates lacked experience in Champions League – Pitso

Only six games remain until the end of the season and the race for the championship is starting to get much more interesting.

Asked whether the draw against Downs is a setback for their title race, Sredojevic said the Bucs have improved immensely from last season and only need to do well in their remaining games.

“I believe that the first match we played against Sundowns and the match we just played, it is a totally upside-down situation compared to 2016-17.

“Whoever has football eyes can see Pirates have become a recognisable force in South African football … the only thing we needed to do in this match was not to lose,” he added.

“With everything we have done on the field, it injects us with confidence, self belief and team belief that we have what it takes in the remaining six games to make us compatible suitors.”
The Buccaneers have another difficult game, against other title contenders Wits at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday.

Downs host Egyptian club Al Ahly in the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Champions League on the same night in Pretoria.

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