Milutin Sredojevic: Orlando Pirates need to be more effective in front of goal

Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has praised goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane for a stellar performance against AmaZulu at the King Zwelithini Stadium.

The Soweto giants played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday night and the Serbian boss was left to praise his troops for a point. 

“First of all it was a good match and you have to know that the opponent came to play good football, credit goes to coach Cavin Johnson, his team and this wonderful atmosphere with people coming here,” Sredojevic told Supersport TV.

“We had a very good first half where we have done everything we agreed on and when you look at the difference between the first and half, we absolutely controlled the game and didn't give the opponent time on the the ball,” he added.

“We didn't allow them to outnumber us when we lose the ball and in the second half, it was like two boxers, putting the guard and punching each other,” reacted the manager.

“I believe had we have been closer to that, unfortunately it was not meant to be...a very good advertisement for the game. Inviting people to come to the stadium. I think football of this kind is inviting people to come to the stadium,” he explained.

“Good to watch, but for us as coaches, much more effectiveness in front of the goal could put the sugar into the tea and help us to win the game,” responded 'Micho'.

“So we wanted more in the end and even a draw we shall accept and look forward to this Fifa break and be ready for the Soweto Derby,” he added.

Speaking about a forced change where the Sea Robbers lost goalkeeper Siyabonga Mpontshane through injury and replaced him with Jackson Mabokgwane before the game, 'Micho' explained his decision to field the ex-Mpumalanga Black Aces net minder.

“Absolutely (Mabokgwane made great saves). You know when another guy has sunset and the other one has sunrise. So a situation came when Mpontshane was injured,” he continued.

“Jackson came in and had a stunning performance from all the aspects. Communication with the team covering the defence, shot stopping, covering the space and goalkeeping as well as delivery,” he said.

“As player number 11, helping us from behind he did very well and I think being without Mpontshane, the power of the team you recognise when you put a player inside and he delivered today,” concluded the coach.

The Sea Robbers will now prepare to face their old rivals in Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto derby on Saturday, October 27 at the FNB Stadium.