Johannesburg – He wasn't entirely satisfied with his team's performance, but Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa was nonetheless delighted after they picked up their eighth win of the league season on Saturday.
Pirates defeated Wits 2-0 at Orlando Stadium to climb within one point of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs in the Premiership standings.
“It was a scrappy game, to be honest, especially in the second half, but we controlled the game very well,” De Sa said.
“I don’t remember my goalkeeper making any saves.
“I think we should have scored three or more goals but we won the game and that’s what is important.”
Pirates had an avalanche of chances, particularly in the first period, which they either fluffed or were denied by Wits keeper Ryan Harrison.
A furious Wits coach, Antonio Habas, was disappointed with the result from his fighting side.
Habas gave credit to the Buccaneers, as well as his own team, and blamed the referee for the defeat.
“We played fantastic, and Pirates also played fantastic, but the referee cost us,” Habas said.
Habas felt his outfit had been robbed after Calvin Kadi was hacked down inside the box in the 56th minute, with Pirates leading 1-0, and the referee turned down a penalty appeal.
While Pirates narrowed the gap on Kaizer Chiefs, who lost 2-0 against Platinum Stars for their first defeat of the season, Wits were left clinging to the top half of the table after their fifth loss of the campaign. – Sapa