Milutin Sredojevic: Lack of killer instinct cost Orlando Pirates against Maritzburg United

Orlando Pirates head coach Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic reflected on the team's draw with Maritzburg United.

The Soweto giants were held to a 1-1 stalemate by the Team of Choice in a Premier Soccer League (PSL) match at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday night.

Micho felt that his charges were indecisive in front of goal as Bucs failed to extend their lead at the top of the PSL standings. 

“We started very well. We agreed that we shall find weaknesses in their defence and expose it. They are playing with three behind and then we had three of our players wide, with (Thembinkosi) Lorch and (Justin) Shonga coming into wide spaces," Sredojevic told SuperSport TV.

Maritzburg's imposing goalkeeper Richard Ofori made some good saves to keep the Buccaneers at bay on the night.

“We were creating chances, but then when we were creating chances we had wrong decision making against a tall goalkeeper like (Richard) Ofori, you can’t shoot at him in the areas of his chest or shoulder because there he will react. He has a problem on the ground, we didn’t go for those balls on the ground," he continued.

“We didn’t go for the cut backs because the opponents defence is fully focused in protecting him. We missed those chances. We didn’t open the game in time. And then on halftime, the opponent started to grow in confidence," he added.

Sredojevic introduced attackers Thabiso Kutumela and Thabo Qalinge as Bucs looked to grab the winning goal, but Maritzburg stood firm at the back.

“Ourselves we looked to stretch them more. However, results kept them in the game. We were throwing everything in the game, with Kutumela, Qalinge and Mako coming in," he said.

“We practically went into the game with six attackers or five. But we couldn’t penetrate because of resolute defending and I need to give credit to Maritzburg they were defending very well," he explained.

“They always looked to play on the counter-attack and they were getting the result they were looking for,” he concluded. 

Despite the draw, Pirates remained at the top of the league standings - a point above second-placed Bidvest Wits.