Bucs switch to knockout mode
PULE: HAVE TO TREAT EVERY GAME LIKE IT IS A CUP FINAL
Orlando Pirates winger Vincent Pule acknowledged that they came up against a good side in SuperSport United, but believes the Buccaneers could have won the game after playing to a 1-1 draw at the Lucas Moripe Stadium on Wednesday.
An early goal by Pule was just what the Buccaneers needed to go on and dominate the game, but this was a SuperSport side that had other ideas.
Matsatsantsa were determined to fight for maximum points as well after Bucs midfielder Ben Motshwari scored an own-goal to level matters for the Pretoriabased outfit.
However, Pule, who scored his fourth goal of the campaign for Bucs said they gladly took the point gained from the game even though it wasn’t a result they wanted.
“I think it was a very difficult game because SuperSport is a very tactical team. We played well in the first half and we could have scored more than one goal, but they are a good side and came back into the game.
“We pushed hard but it didn’t happen for us (could not get a winning goal),” said the Bucs attacker.
“We will take a point, but we are very disappointed because we could have won the game. But every point is important at this stage.”
The draw saw Bucs climb one place into fourth on the log, with 29 points after 18 games.
Matsatsantsa remained second, with 33 points after the same number of games as Bucs.
SuperSport now trail Tshwane rivals and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns by three points, but the Brazilians have only played 16 matches, having accumulated 36 points in the process.
Heading into the weekend, Pirates will be aiming to move on in the lucrative Nedbank Cup competition.
Bucs face struggling Maritzburg United in the last-16 of the Ke Yona Cup and Pule says they are determined to advance to the next phase of the competition and a chance of adding to their early-deason MTN8 success.
“We have to pitch up on the day because it’s a cup game. It’s a once-off and we have to play like it’s a final because we want to continue in the tournament. It’s important for us.”