Bucs knew they had to put Downs defeat behind them

Desite a sterling performance that helped Orlando Pirates secure a 3-0 victory over Black Leopards in a DStv Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Thursday, defender Wayde Jooste (below) says they still knew that Leopards would be a tough proposition.

The 29-year-old Port Elizabeth-born defender pulled off a Man-of-the-Match performance with his darting runs on the right side of the Bucs attack which led to the opening goal of the match after his cross was slotted home by Tshegofatso Mabasa, who scored a brace on the day.

“It was a very tough game, you know when you’re playing these teams that are facing relegation, it’s difficult to get points against them. Because we knew they were going to come here with the aim of at least trying to get a point, we had to work hard. Together as a team we spoke to each other before the game and during half-time as well, and it paid off at the end,” said the Bucs rightback. “Tshego (Mabasa) and I always communicate at training. We always speak and he tells me that when I get the ball, I know where to find him. Sometimes I don’t even have to look up, I just know that he is going to be there in a good area.”

The former Bloemfontein Celtic, Golden Arrows and now dissolved Highlands Park player acknowledged that it was imperative for the club to get a win especially after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns prior to the Leopards clash.

The Buccaneers next host Cape Town-based outfit Stellenbosch FC in a league encounter and Jooste knows all too well that they needed to continue winning.

“It was important for us to bounce back, because we knew the last result was not the best result. And we need to get the momentum going to get a few wins on the trot.”

Bucs have five league games remaining and the win over Lidoda Duvha placed them in fourth place on the log with 42 points from 25 matches.