Orlando Pirates reserves coach Joseph Makhanya has admitted that his side could have done better in their goalless draw against Marumo Gallants this past weekend.
Pirates went to the match as hot favourites to get maximum points to boost their chances of winning this season’s DStv Diski Challenge league.
The Buccaneers brushed aside Gallants 4-1 in the first round but could not repeat the same feat when it mattered the most.
The draw left them in position three on the table, two points adrift of leaders SuperSport United and one point behind second-placed Cape Town City FC.
A win would have seen them reclaiming the No 1 spot, but Gallants denied them that opportunity.
“The match against Gallants we should have won it, but we flopped,” admitted Makhanya.
“It is easy when you are a Marumo Gallants. They sat back the whole day and relied on counterattacks. We were looking for that goal, but we could not get it.
“[Mohau] Nkota could have buried two or three chances, [Mehluleli] Maphumulo got a chance but he was not clinical enough as well.”
Makhanya also revealed that they had too many similar players on the day due to suspension, while Relebohile Ratomo was with the senior team.
Explained Makhanya: “We lacked creativity in attack as we were missing some of our players.”
Despite all the challenges, the Buccaneers have vowed to continue with their chase until the final day of the season.
“Giving up is not an option. We will fight until we play our last match. It is still four games to go, 12 points up for grabs. We need to get to an element where we start winning matches.”
Pirates have won three in their last five matches and drew the other two encounters.
On Sunday, the Buccaneers will be hoping to continue their dominance over Swallows FC, whom they have defeated in their last four meetings.