Downs coach backs keeper

Michaelson Gumede

Pitso Mosimane launched a staunch defence of goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse after the Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper’s own-goal contributed to Masandawana’s shock 2-0 loss to Baroka FC in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals on Saturday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Pieterse, deputising for Denis Onyango, also failed to stop a first-half penalty from Mduduzi Mdatsene, while for Baroka’s second goal, Matome Kgoetyane’s cross deflected off Mosa Lebusa, and a wrong-footed Pieterse could only palm the ball into his own net.

“What are the chances of him saving a penalty? What are the chances of him saving a deflection? Do I really need to judge him on that? I have seen deflections against Denis Onyango and Itumeleng Khune which went in. I have seen one against David de Gea and all the top goalkeepers in the world,” said Mosimane.

He applauded Bakgaga reaching the last four.

“Congratulations to Baroka, they deserve to be in the semifinals. As much as we dominated, controlling the game does not win you the game.” for