Jooste commends Bucs for shutting out TTM

Following a dominant display in Wednesday’s DStv Premiership tie against Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila (TTM), Orlando Pirates right-back Wayde Jooste (below) praised his side for going for the throat against their newly-promoted opponents.

Bucs had the upper hand in the game from the early moments of the tie and took the lead within 16 minutes.

They went into the break 2-0 up after Gabadinho Mhango had doubled their lead in the 39th minute.

TTM seemed well-beaten, but Jooste emphasised how the Pirates players kept motivating one another to go for more goals.

Fortune Makaringe put the match beyond doubt when he made it 3-0 just after the hour mark at the Thohoyandou Stadium.

With the Soweto club having arrived in Limpopo two days before the match, Jooste said that helped them adjust to the hot weather conditions.

“We came here with the right mindset and attitude. From the first whistle we decided that we were going to give it our all. We got the first goal and once we got it, we decided not to be complacent and needed to get more,” said the Bucs defender.

“Even during half time we were motivating each other...to carry on where we left off and that’s what happened.

“It’s very hot here, so it helped to acclimatise to the conditions. It’s very important for us to score goals, not just to win, but to score goals. We know that the goals are going to make a big difference come the end of the league.”

Meanwhile, TTM head coach Joel Masutha said his charges gave the game away with their sloppy defending in the first half.

“We defended really badly, we made too many mistakes in crucial areas. We gave away the game, we gave Pirates the victory. Yes, they played well but we contributed to their goals,” he said.