Pirates sunk by six-goal barrage

BUCS CHEWED UP, SPAT OUT

Orlando Pirates assistant coach Benson Mhlongo admitted that Orlando Pirates’ display was “unacceptable” after they were hammered 6-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon.

Mhlongo handled the postmatch press conference, leading to obvious rumours about the position of caretaker coach Augusto Palacios. But it was believed Palacios was not feeling well after having to run off the field following fan-violence that interrupted the match.

Pirates have, however, called an urgent press conference this morning at the Rand Stadium.

This was the second time this season Pirates have conceded six goals to a Tshwane side, with the 6-1 loss to SuperSport United on November 1 leading to the resignation of Muhsin Ertugral.

“Six goals in one game, let alone in two games – it is not acceptable. We need to move forward and try to get a trophy for our supporters,” said Mhlongo.

Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane, whose side made a serious championship statement in the midst of all the chaos, was about as gentle as it is possible to be to a side that you have just left in tatters.

“When Pirates play Sundowns, it is toe-to-toe from round one. It is give-and-take. Pirates are the only team – and I mean it – that can give us toe-to-toe, they don’t sit back. The other people are sitting back. But we punched much harder.

Sundowns next travel to Chippa United in the league tomorrow before taking on TP Mazembe in the Caf Super Cup final on Saturday in a game that is set to be moved from Atteridgeville to Loftus.