We’re giving the best we can – Rhulani Mokwena

Results have continued not go the way of Orlando Pirates, but coach Rhulani Mokwena says they are trying their best.

The Buccaneers had another disappointing outing at Orlando Stadium on Saturday, where they scored three times but had to settle for a share of the spoils in a 3-3 draw against Cape Town City.

This was after fighting back from two-goals down to taking the lead around the hour-mark, before a late equaliser from the visitors.

The match followed directly after another one where Pirates had no problems finding the back of the net, but could not find victory in losing 4-3 to Bidvest Wits.

No pressure in the Buccaneers camp

Having only claimed a solitary victory since ascending to the hot seat in August, Mokwena said he wasn’t feeling the pressure yet, and insisted that the team is putting up its best efforts to turn the situation around.

“Pressure? No. More passion than anything, even with regards to the supporters that I speak to after matches and the amount of emotional attachment from them,” said Mokwena.

“I think they see that we’re giving the best that we can and unfortunately when it’s your turn, it’s your turn and you’ve just got to see yourself through this period.

“We’ve got to be brave; we can’t host pity parties [because] the universe doesn’t have a budget for that. So, we don’t feel sorry for ourselves, we just have to keep going. We have to be strong and that’s it.”

Rhulani Mokwena

Orlando Pirates let it slip again

Pirates were behind early in the first half after a stunning strike from Thabo Nodada, which was followed by a goal from Kermit Erasmus, who capitalised from a defensive lapse to put City 2-0 up inside the first 10 minutes.

The Soweto giants, however, lodged a spirited fight back, led by captain Happy Jele who pulled one back when his shot from range was deflected into the net to half the deficit.

Things were level at the stroke of half-time, when in-form striker, Tshegofatso Mabasa notched up his fourth goal of the season in only his third start.

By the hour mark, Pirates were ahead through Alfred Ndengane, but would see their lead slip away in the dying moments of the game when Shane Roberts restored parity.

The Buccaneers now take a long break before returning to action on Saturday 26 October, where they will play Stellenbosch FC.