Under-pressure Pirates face rampant Rich Boyz
AFTER their shock 2-0 loss to Sekhukhune United, Orlando Pirates will want to bounce back to winning ways against Richards Bay in the league tonight.
Pirates, like most of the teams in the top-flight, had an inconsistent start to the season, with their teething problem being a bluntness up front.
They were unlucky not to score against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg, as they had four shots on goal to Downs' zero.
That feat meant they were expected to turn around their fortunes against Sekhukhune on Tuesday night in Polokwane: score goals and come out tops.
Instead, it was the home side that made the most of their opportunities late in the game, scoring goals through Elias Mokwana and Vusumuzi Mncube.
“We were not close to our best position. After the red card, we had to start differently where we had to modify our distribution,” coach Jose Riveiro said.
“We played with two wingers, (Vincent) Pule and (Deon) Hotto, and with Kermit (Erasmus) upfront, I think we then managed to create clear chances.
“But after they scored the first one, it was probably over.
“It could be that they should have scored earlier, but keeper Richard (Ofori) was really good today.”
Ofori went from hero to zero, though.
His blunder deep into stoppage time awarded Babina Noko their second goal to the displeasure of "The Ghost".
To add more to the misery, Ofori will miss tonight’s game at home as he’ll be serving a one-match ban after receiving his fourth yellow card of the campaign.
And that might force Riveiro to unleash newbie Sipho Chaine, who was signed on deadline day from Chippa United, or go for veteran Siyabonga Mpontshane.
Discipline has also been a problem in this Pirates team, given that James Monyane got the red card that forced it into a change of formation on Tuesday.
And that’s why Riveiro has pleaded with his troops to try and retain their game management even when under pressure.
“We substitute every player who gets a yellow card to finalise the game. But sometimes we don’t substitute the players that are on yellows,” he said.
“But they need to understand that there are different situations in the game that we need to keep under control and be able to play with a yellow card."
Fourth-placed Pirates, who are on 14 points, five behind Sundowns, will have their work cut out for them against Richards Bay at Orlando Stadium tonight (8pm kick-off).
The new kids on the Premiership block have had a dream start to elite footbal, so much so that they are second on the standings with 17 points after nine matches.
Their last win was on Wednesday night as they beat Amazulu 1-0 in the Kwazulu Natal derby, leading to the sacking of Usuthu coach Brandon Truter.
Moreover, there’ll be a handful of players in the Natal Rich Boys’ camp who’ll want to prove a point against their former club during their homecoming.
Ntuthuko Mabaso, Ntsikelelo Nyauza and Luvuyo Memela played for Pirates for some time, while Nkanyiso Zungu still calls the club home as he’s out on loan.