Pirates coach content with draw

It might not have been the start he was hoping for in the opening match of the group stages of the Caf Champions League against FC Platinum, but Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojevic is happy his side kept a clean sheet.

The Soweto giants were made to sweat by their Zimbabwean counterparts in their Group B tie, who managed to hold the former African champions to a goalless draw at a sold-out Barboursfield Stadium, with reports coming out of the country that thousands of fans were turned away and had to watch the game at home on Saturday.

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Sredojevic was pleased by the turnout of fans at the stadium and said their aim was to ensure that they got a win without conceding any goals. But the Platinum Boys were on top of their game and gave them a tough challenge.

“It was a nice and very competitive match. Firstly, I would like to say it is very nice to come to a country where you are very welcome. Our club is loved here and we want to thank the supporters for coming out in their numbers and supporting us,” Sredojevic told the media after the game.

“We played against a very competitive side and we needed to get every detail like a game of chess. They came up with a set-up we did not expect. We came here needing to tighten up at the back so that we did not concede and secondly, to go forward and get that all-important goal.”

Pirates’ next encounter in the continental competition is a home clash against Guinea’s Horoya FC at the Orlando Stadium on Friday. The Buccaneers coach has accepted their draw and says there is still a lot more to play for in the tournament.

“There have been draws in the first two matches and there is still so much to be played for but I respect this team because I know this country,” he added.

All the sides in Group B are on one point at the moment after the Guinean side played to a 1-1 draw against Tunisia’s Esperance on Friday.

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