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Coach Zoran Filipovic comments on the Orlando Pirates game 26.10.2010
We are very disappointed with the results of the match against Orlando Pirates! After missing out on the MTN 8 Cup at the beginning of the season, we looked forward to playing well in the Telkom Knockout and progressing far in the Tournament. The whole Team is disappointed that we did not reach the goals we had set for ourselves with regards to this Tournament.
The players trained hard to prepare for the match.We were bolstered by the return of Siyabonga Nkosi, who had been out for a long time due to suspension as well as the long three weeks break that we had in between matches. Added to this was also the return of Philani Shange who had not travelled to Bloemfontein last weekend due to an injury. Both players added the required experience to the Team. It is unfortunate that we had to play without our inspirational captain, Joseph Musonda who had received a red card last week when we played Bloemfontein Celtics. We believe that we have an able replacement in Zwane in his position and Bilankulu to lead the Team.
Overall the game was played at a good pace, with both Teams trying their best to score. We started very well, putting pressure on Pirates as demonstrated by the number of corner kicks we received. We started with attacking players in: Gabuza; Manqana; Shange; Nkosi and Mlotshwa, with support from Tom and Zwane, as we wanted to go on the offensive and score goals. Even when we made substitutions, we brought in offensive players.
It was therefore extremely disappointing that after all the hard work the Team had put into training the whole week, leading up to the game, and weeks before, we conceded a goal from a set-piece, in similar circumstances to the goal we conceded against Bloemfontein Celtics! It also came a few minutes into the second half, one of the critical phases in conceding goals. This a challenge for us to work harder in tightening up a few elements at training in preparation for the next game against BidVest Wits.
We cannot run away from the fact that we played against a big team in Orlando Pirates, with a number of experienced players who have played at the highest levels of football in the national team. Their individual and collective experience counted in the end. I was happy with the application of our players against such opponents and I have no doubt that we will turn the tables on them when we next meet.
We would also like to thank the supporters who attended the game in large numbers! Their presence is appreciated as it makes a positive contribution to the performance of the Team on the day. We encourage our supporters to continue attending our matches.
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