Micho pleading with fans to stop their ridicules against Shonga

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic is pleading with Bucs fans to stop disrespecting and undermining his coaching techniques and choice by booing Justin Shonga.

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Pirates supporters were frustrated when the Zambian international striker missed plenty of clear cut chances against Black Leopards in their Absa Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night. They started booing Shonga, demanding Micho to replace him. But the Serbian mentor ignored them as he gave the 22 year-old player a run the entire match.

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This is the second time Pirates fans booed their own player as they also got into the nerves of lanky striker Thamsanqa Gabuza, who angrily threw his jersey at the crowd in celebration before storming off the pitch. Ironically, the bizarre incident also happened against Lidoda Duvha at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane in August last year.

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This was after he missed a few chances in the first half. Micho said their fans forget that Shonga scored vital goals throughout the season to help their side mount a serious challenge for the title.\

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“With all respect to the fans, but they watch the match with emotions. We shall not allow anyone to direct us. We we are not on a remote control. Nobody brought us here from the streets. We are qualified to be here. Do they want me to open a hole and bury him? We have to appreciate the goals he scored and it’s only a few occasion that he didn’t score. We will stay behind Shonga like we did with Gabuza,” Said Micho.

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The fact that fierce title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns are involved in the Caf Champions League gives Pirates a cushion at the summit in a bid to win the title. Bucs are three points ahead of second placed Downs on 47 points, with four games to play.

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Bucs have another chance to stretch their lead at the top of table to six points tomorrow (8.15pm) when they take on relegation haunted Free State Stars at the same venue.