Sandilands looks for positives in loss
Keeper delighted with form for Bucs
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Wayne Sandilands is looking on the bright side following their first defeat of the season, a 1-0 loss to Bidvest Wits at the weekend.
This was only the second time the 34-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns goal minder conceded in six league games this season, making the Pirates defence the best in the league.
“Look, I think there are a lot of positives that you can take out of the game [against Wits]; the way we fought and had them up against the ropes on their home ground,” Sandilands told Sowetan.
“It’s just bitter for us to lose and it’s something the players don’t want to accept. ”
When Pirates face Polokwane City at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday (8.15pm), Sandilands will be hoping for a clean sheet.
“I’m extremely disappointed, even with conceding two goals. But anyway, we have to take the positives out of this performances, that’s part of football and we just have to make sure we pull ourselves together for the next game.”
Having stabilised a defence that was at sixes and sevens last season, Sandilands is delighted with his contribution.
“Yes, I’m grateful for the start that I’ve had, you know, but just as an individual and a professional, you always want to strive for perfection. I always want to push myself,” he said.
Such has been his form that Sandilands was rewarded with a Bafana Bafana call-up for the 2018 World Cup qualifying matches against Cape Verde. He has been retained in the squad to face Burkina Faso next month.
“I’m extremely proud to be there, but I know the responsibility that comes with being there.
“It’s exciting and we will try our best to go to the World Cup,” he added.