Pirates report clean bill of health ahead of Soweto derby

Having had most of his key players out due to injury in the last few games, Orlando Pirates coach Rulani Mokwena was happy to see some of the players returning into action and helping the club to beat Highlands Park 1-0 thanks to a Tshegofatso Mabasa goal at the Makhulong Stadium on Tuesday.

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Pirates haven’t been convincing in the last few games, with the team having last won a league match back in September when they beat Chippa United 2-1. After that win, they went on to record two losses and one draw, which has seen them collect only 12 points in nine games.

“Congratulations to the players, we asked them to grind it out today, we knew we were coming up against a difficult opponent, on a difficult pitch, one which is very narrow and suits their game model. But the players worked hard and they kept to the game plan and instructions, fortunately, we got the three points,” said Mokwena.

“We are very happy with the result, but at the same time we don’t complain much, we’ve had a lot of injuries. We are fortunate now that we have a clean bill of health, Mthokozisi Dube is back, Innocent Maela is back, Ben Motshwari is back, Augustine Mulenga has just returned from injury, Justin Shonga is back and we are trying to get our team back on the pitch, but it’s not easy. We just have to keep going, no excuses, no complaints, no whining, we will just soldier on.”

Going forward, Mokwena wants his charges to be consistent especially with tough games coming up for them. First, it is the Telkom Knockout clash with Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, before taking on Maritzburg United in a league encounter on November 5 at the Orlando Stadium.

Then it will be another encounter with Amakhosi, but this time a league clash at the FNB Stadium on November 9.

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