Pitso reflects on Sundowns’ draw against Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane reflected on their Absa Premiership opener against Orlando Pirates, admitting that he was left disappointed after his side settled for a draw on Tuesday night.

Read: Report: Pirates disappoint Sundowns in a goalless stalemate!

Mosimane’s troops resumed their PSL campaign with a 0-0 draw against the Buccaneers at Dobsonville Stadium and the result saw Sundowns remain second on the league standings with three points behind log leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

Sundowns and Pirates labour under Covid-19 conditions to goalless draw
Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Keletso Makgalwa challenged by Ben Motshwari and Happy Jele of Orlando Pirates during the Absa Premiership match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates at Dobsonville Stadium.
(Image: BackpagePix)

Although Mosimane was disappointed with the outcome, he admitted that it was a game of two halves with his side having dominated the first half before Pirates took control of the match after the restart. 

“Yes, a game of two halves for us, we were much better in the first-half, second-half we have to give it to Orlando Pirates, let’s be honest and they missed two chances, to be honest. Okay, we had one [chance] but not really convincing,” Mosimane was quoted by Goal.Com.

“The second-half they took it, you could see they were much stronger, much fresher than us in the second half. We survived a bit, Mosa [Lebusa] calf [injury], you know. But it’s okay, it’s a good point, we’ll take a point. We’re playing Orlando Pirates remember?”

The 56-year-old highly-rated coach, who is eyeing to complete the season with a treble, explained the introduction of Jose Ali Meza and Andile Jali in the second half because Pirates were dominating the midfield.

“We put Ali [Meza] there to put more fresh legs, I think Keletso [Makgalwa] ran enough, ‘Mshishi’ [Themba Zwane] also, we put Andile [Jali] to help us in midfield because we could see that they were going through, to make sure that we strengthen the midfield because we had a problem there,” he added.

“They were going through and I played a three-man midfield. But it’s football, we’re going for the long haul, it’s a good point, don’t undermine a point against Orlando Pirates. It’s a big point, two tough games, [Bidvest] Wits and Orlando Pirates. Yes, not bad. It’s still a long haul, we’re still going,” he said.