Orlando Pirates place defensive woes under the microscope

Orlando Pirates’ recent struggles cannot be attributed to trouble breaching the opposition’s defence, more than it’s an issue with protecting their own sticks.

While the Buccaneers have bagged a modest return of just 17 goals in their 12 matches played so far, they have had instances where they have bagged three in a game, but fail to grab maximum points.

They ran the danger of having much of the same happen when they last took to the field – against Polokwane City at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night.

Defensive issues under the microscope

What in the end turned out to be a consolation goal had Pirates fans at the edge of their seats, with the visitors scoring late to reduce the deficit to one goal. The hosts would, however, see the game out to secure a vital 3-2 victory, which placed them back in the top half of the table, albeit rather low at seventh place.

Interim coach Rhulani Mokwena was concerned at the manner in which the goals against his side came, and admitted there are defensive issues which need to be looked at closely.

“I think anyone who didn’t watch the game and sees the score-line would think Pirates just scrapped through. The reality is that I think we were in complete control for the majority of the match. I don’t remember Wayne Sandilands having to make a save to be honest, but the reality is that it is 3-2. It is another two goals conceded,” said Mokwena.

“Why? There are a lot of factors to it and we have to look at it deeply. It’s not just to scratch the surface, we have to look at it deeper because there are lots of other mitigating factors to it because Tuesday’s goal is exactly the same as Leonardo  Castro’s goal against Kaizer Chiefs. Exactly the same, down the heart. We have to look at that and try to find the reasons as to why. We will work on it and try to find solutions. It has lot more to do with that than tactics.”

Rhulani Mokwena

Negative goal difference for Orlando Pirates

The result saw Pirates fail to overcome a negative goal difference, which now stands at one goal in the red.

Out of the teams in the top eight, it’s the second worst behind fourth-placed Golden Arrows, who – for the most part – owe theirs to a 5-0 thumping to Bloemfontein Celtic earlier in the season.

The Buccaneers resume their league campaign with a trip to Polokwane, where they will face Baroka at Peter Mokaba Stadium.