Orlando Pirates legend blasts Bucs after Sekhukhune United loss - 'They were playing as if they were a team that wants to get into the top 8'

Former Orlando Pirates star Benedict 'Tso' Vilakazi has blasted Bucs' players for how they played and lost to Sekhukhune United in a Premier Soccer League match on Wednesday.

The Sea Robbers were beaten 1-0, and Vilakazi has said Babina Noko won because they appeared the hungrier side.

The soccer pundit said Pirates could have played while their minds were already fixed on the upcoming game against Kaizer Chiefs.

Jose Riveiro's substitutions during the game have also been blamed for the defeat.

“There are two things in football: the one who needs it most and the one who needs it,” said Vilakazi, as quoted by iDiski Times.

“That’s what happened between Sekhukhune and Orlando Pirates. Pirates were playing as if they were a team that wants to get into the top 8, not a team that wants to win the league. They really didn’t play like people who want to win the league," he continued.

"When you want to win the league number one, your line-up tells us you mean business. I don’t know why Makhehleni [Makhaula] was on the bench. Number two, I don’t know why he subbed [Thalente] Mbatha.

“And this thing of worrying about eggs that haven’t even been laid is a problem. You cannot worry about the derby while you are playing tonight (Wednesday)," Vilakazi concluded.

Pirates' defeat was a blow to their PSL title hopes, taking into account that Mamelodi Sundowns won their respective game and widened the gap at the top.

The Sea Robbers were also defeated just days before they faced their greatest local rivals, Kaizer Chiefs, in the league's Soweto Derby.

It was also a heartbreaking moment for the fans, given that the home loss came just after the elimination from the Caf Champions League.

On May 3, Bucs will be hosted by Amakhosi before a Nedbank Cup final between them on May 10.

The cup final has been scheduled to be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.