Conditions made it tough for Bucs
MOTSHWARI: POINT AWAY FROM HOME IS GOOD RESULT
Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari says weather conditions made it difficult for them to be at their best after playing to a 1-1 draw with Stellenbosch FC at Danie Craven Stadium in Cape Town on Wednesday.
The Pirates midfielder says it was hard to control the ball, which moved quickly and it suited Stellenbosch better since they are used to the conditions down in the Cape.
The Buccaneers had the upper hand going into half-time after Nkosinathi Sibisi opened his account for his new club with a brilliant header.
But it was cancelled out by an equally fine header by Junior Mendieta in the second half forcing the teams to share the spoils on the day.
“It was a difficult one and the conditions didn’t do us justice. The ball was too quick and they used it to their advantage because they are used to it. But, we conceded a goal with a cross and I think we should have done better in terms of communicating and doing fouls in such critical areas,” said the Bucs midfielder.
“I think it was a great game today, but I think we played to their advantage. However, overall, getting a point away in Cape Town in such conditions, I think we will take it for now.”
Bucs failed to fully capitalise on a promising start in their first game of the DStv Premiership season against Swallows FC, which they won 1-0. The Soweto giants displayed some good football against their neighbours, something they failed to do against Stellies.
Changes made in the starting line-up might also have been a factor in the team’s failure to register their second win in a row with Thabiso Monyane, who was one of the top performers against the Birds, having been left out of the starting XI only to be introduced late in the second half.
Pirates will be hoping for an improved performance in their next game, with the side hosting Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Sunday