‘The Only Thing That’s Missing For Pirates’

Former Orlando Pirates striker James Mothibi has played down any concerns about the team's form and is expecting a turnaround in the coming matches.

The Buccaneers were defeated 5-4 on penalties by Richards Bay after a 0-0 draw at the end of extra-time at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The loss was second in a row for Bucs after the team was defeated by PSL strugglers Cape Town Spurs for their first win of the season last Wednesday.

While many believe that Pirates has lost form, Mothibi says the team is playing well and just need to get it right in front of goals.   

The Good  

"For me, the performance is there and they are doing everything right. The only thing that's missing is to put the ball in the back of the net. I feel like they are not as calm as they should be when they get into the last third. That's where the thinking and decision-making should come in, in the last third. I felt that the team performed well against Cape Town Spurs even though they lost, and against Richards Bay even though they lost," said Mothibi.

Orlando Pirates players inspect pitch and goalmouth before the DStv Premiership 2023/24 football match between Cape Town Spurs and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on 1 November 2023 Ryan Wilkisky

The Bad 

"The team should not feel down after the successive two losses. There is nothing to be sad about and they must focus and continue with the good performances that they have been dishing out. The players and coaches must not get frustrated because these things happen in football at times," he said.

Jose Riveiro, head coach of Orlando Pirates inspects pitch before the DStv Premiership 2023/24 football match between Cape Town Spurs and Orlando Pirates at Cape Town Stadium on 1 November 2023 Ryan Wilkisky

The Ugly 

"The most important thing is to accept when you have lost a game and you should try to find answers as to why you lost. You must figure out why you have lost and you must work on those at training for you to get better," he added.

Orlando Pirates players dejected during the 2023 Carling Knockout quarterfinal match between Richards Bay FC and Orlando Pirates at Moses Machida Stadium in Durban on the 04 November 2023 Sydney Mahlangu

'An Opportunity for them to prove themselves'  

On Zakhele Lepasa suspension  

"With him out due to four yellow cards, it gives an opportunity to other player who haven't been getting enough game time. It is an opportunity for them to prove themselves. All that I would like to see from the strikers would be for them to get into the right positions and goals will come. I always tell my strikers that even if people are booing you, just do your job and in the end, they will follow you to the corner to celebrate when you score. By doing so, eventually they will love you," concluded Mothibi.  

What are your score predictions for Pirates v Sekhukhune?