Buccaneers can protect a lead
JOHANNESBURG: The first thing Augusto Palacios did after he settled into Orlando Stadium’s auditorium on Saturday night was complain about how hot the room was. But that heat, because there was no air conditioner, is a cool winter breeze compared to the heat Orlando Pirates’ defence is under after they failed to protect yet another lead.
In a space of three days the Buccaneers’ interim coach, Palacios, watched his side drop four points by drawing with Baroka FC and Highlands Park because they lost concentration towards the end of their matches.
Those four points would have seen them join the leading pack in the PSL race. Pirates were ahead twice at Orlando Stadium on Saturday through the unstoppable Tendai Ndoro, but the Lions of the North came back twice to snatch a point. It wasn’t as dramatic as how Baroka did it, but it was still painful to watch for those associated with the club.
“I don’t think that we can’t protect our lead,” Palacios said.
“It’s just that we have had to make too many changes at the back because of injuries and suspensions. I am still shaping the team to play the way I want them to play. I don’t blame anyone. But we need time. Against Highlands it was the first time that we conceded two goals (in my time).
“We practised how to stop the second goal. We knew that they like to cut inside and shoot. We need to be more solid when we are leading 1-0. I told the players that 1-0 is nothing. Nothing!”
Their biggest problem is the desire to make up for their slow start, which makes them anxious when they’re leading to the point that they concede silly goals and make unnecessary mistakes.
But Gladwin Shitolo in central midfield hardly put a foot wrong. The 27-year-old replaced captain Oupa Manyisa who was out because of an inflamed toe.
“If you look at the line-up we put out against Highlands, I gave a lot of players a chance in the starting XI and the bench,” Palacios said.
“I like players who are committed to the team. I tell players when I give them a chance that you have this opportunity, don’t throw it away. Football for me isn’t about names. I don’t care whether you are in the national team or you are coming from overseas. I don’t look at that.”