Andre Arendse lavishes praise on SuperSport United players but bemoans missed chances in Matsatsantsa's defeat to Orlando Pirates in Nedbank Cup quarter-finals clash - 'It could have easily been two or three, four for us'

SuperSport United assistant coach Andre Arendse is convinced his team should have triumphed in a fierce Nedbank Cup quarter-final match against Orlando Pirates played at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.

Matsatsantsa fell 5-4 in penalties to the Sea Robbers after the game finished in a 2-2 draw following extra-time. Terrence Dzvukamanja and Gape Moralo scored for the Tshwane team during regular play.

Addressing the media after the game in Polokwane, Arendse, who was on the sidelines due to the suspension of Gavin Hunt, emphasised that SuperSport merited a victory over Pirates.

"I feel for them, I don’t know who’s more tired, the players or me – I kicked every ball with them, headed every ball with them, but they gave me so much to be proud of today, so much to be proud of and it’s all we can ask for from the players,” Arendse said per iDiski Times.

"There was a moment where we gave the ball away too cheaply but they gathered themselves and they defended well when they needed to against a team like this; who is. The ball possession team will hurt you if you don’t press them the way you should press them.

"I think we got it 100% correct today, we had chances, it could have easily been two or three, four for us; Lungu missed one in the beginning, Saile was through on goal and could have passed to Bradley – so we had those opportunities. There’s so much we can take from it in the build-up to the next game."

Being eliminated from the Nedbank Cup by Pirates implies that SuperSport can no longer secure any trophy this season, given their current unsatisfactory 13th position in the PSL standings.

The Spartans have thus far gathered 21 points from 20 matches. They have recorded five victories, six draws, and suffered nine losses under the seasoned coach Hunt.

Matsatsantsa's inconsistent performances have even put the former Kaizer Chiefs mentor's future in doubt at the club, with reports indicating that he may be dismissed if the situation doesn't change.

SuperSport needs to swiftly move on from the Nedbank Cup outcome and concentrate on their upcoming PSL match against TS Galaxy on Tuesday in Mbombela.

Additionally, with only 10 matches remaining in the league this season for Matsatsantsa, they are aiming to enhance their recent underwhelming performances as they strive for a top-eight position.