Lower rung teams are always ‘tough’

Playing against a team that is in the relegation zone was never going to be easy, admitted Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer, after his charges fought their way to a narrow 1-0 DStv Premiership win over Maritzburg United at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday.

Ernst Middendorp’s Maritzburg gave Pirates a tough battle, but the Buccaneers remained solid at the back, while goalkeeper Richard Ofori made some crucial saves.

“Ofori did some good work today (Saturday), as well as the defenders.

In general, the whole team worked really well. It was not the best performance, but it was a tough game against a relegation team, it’s not so easy. They fought for their lives, but the important thing is that we got the three points,” said Zinnbauer after the game.

Deon Hotto’s (pictured) 40th minute strike proved to be very important for the Buccaneers as they bounced back with a victory, having lost to Black Leopards and then drawn with Golden Arrows in their previous two matches.

“It was a tough game, but I think in the first half we had big chances. We could have decided this game early. The first 10 minutes of the second half was good... (but) if you don’t score opponents gain confidence and they went all out in this game. Then we had counter attacks but were a little bit too casual,” added Zinnbauer.

With the win, the German coach believed it would boost the morale of the team as they prepared for their next game against another relegation threatened side, TS Galaxy at Orlando Stadium tomorrow.

“We have got more self-confidence now, it’s important for us. We now go home and after a good recovery session, we can focus on the next game.”

The Soweto giants have now collected 21 points from 13 matches and are six points behind joint leaders Swallows FC and Mamelodi Sundowns.