Micho happy with Pirates’ reaction

The Buccaneers coach described their loss to Matsatsantsa as a setback in their quest for the Absa Premiership title and says they prepared thoroughly in the last couple of days working on some combinations upfront to ensure they score goals.

“When you have such a setback it is not football-wise, it’s mental- wise. We worked very much in the last 72 hours (prior to the game),” said the Bucs coach.

“The faces of our players told a story and our duty as a technical team was to remove pressure of winning from them, the weight of expectations and anxiety so that they could express themselves.”

READ: Pirates thump AmaZulu to move second

“We called our preparation ‘punching power’ … punching power of Justin Shonga at top, Nyoso (Thembinkosi Lorch) and Luvuyo Memela behind, with two players wide in Vincent Pule and Kudakwashe Mahachi.

“Attacking with six players means we can have the numbers which can make a difference and help us to score goals. We got what we wanted as we haven’t won since our victory against Chippa United, so it has not been easy. It is the question of being down on confidence.”

Bucs are now on 36 points after 21 games, two points behind leaders Bidvest Wits, who failed to extend their lead at the summit of the table after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mamelodi Sundowns, who are third in the Premiership and are level on 36 points with Pirates, just separated by goal difference.

“It was just a question of time before they (players) unleash themselves, but as I said before, when it’s good do not fly, when it’s bad do not give up. We did not give up on Wednesday,” he added.

“But at the moment we have to remain grounded bearing in mind that this is just one step. There are nine more matches to go, with so much at stake.”
Bucs next travel to KwaZulu-Natal for a meeting with Golden Arrows.

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