Johannesburg – After another late surge against Moroka Swallows, caretaker coach Eric Tinkler urged Orlando Pirates to show purpose from the starting blocks.
The Buccaneers came back from behind after a slow first-half to earn a point in the 1-1 draw against the Dube Birds during the Soweto derby at the Dobsonville Stadium.
“Once again we expect to start a game the same way we finish. In the second we need that same endeavour, the same fighting spirit and determination to get the three points,” Tinkler said.
“It was the same case of having a slow start in the first-half. We struggled against them because they had every player behind the ball.”
Swallows opened the scoring through veteran striker Siyabonga Nomvethe in the 35th minute, while Pirates replied with a Lehlohonolo Majoro strike in the 77th minute.
The Buccaneers battled to break the opposition defence in the opening stages. Swallows however took advantage of the Buccaneers lapse in defence and pounced on the counter with an opening goal.
“It was frustrating and we didn't know how to penetrate them. It was good that we were able to get back into the match.
“But we are disappointed that we weren’t able to go on to get the win.”
The Bafana Bafana legend highlighted the importance of stringing together positive results to keep up with other top-tier sides.
“First and foremost we need to stop conceding goals. We are very far behind from the top on points and we need to be collecting as many points as possible and draws aren’t helping us at all.”
Swallows coach Fani Madida praised his players for absorbing the pressure after stopping the second half onslaught.
He welcomed the shared spoils during the match of two halves where each team took turns to dominate the other.
“I believe it was a much deserved point. They were attacking us and we did well to prevent them from scoring because we could have lost in the end,” Madida said.
Pirates, who have collected 23 points, have fallen 20 points adrift of log leaders Kaizer Chiefs in the Premiership, while Swallows were treading dangerously near the relegation zone on 16 points.
In their last encounters before the Christmas break, Swallows face AmaZulu at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, while Pirates take on Bloemfontein Celtic at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. – Sapa