Orlando Pirates legend fires warning after Nedbank Cup exit – ‘Everything can burn down’

Orlando Pirates legend Moeneeb Josephs has expressed his worry and disappointment over the attitude of the Buccaneers in the wake of their Nedbank Cup elimination.

Pirates were knocked out of the competition following a post-match penalty loss to lower division club Casric Stars on Saturday after a goalless draw in regulation as well as extra time.

Abdeslam Ouaddou’s team huffed and puffed but could not get past a well-organised Crasic team but also wasted the few opportunities that they got.

It was the second match in a row in which Pirates lost in the week, having also suffered a 2-1 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the league on Wednesday.

Pirates legend warns against complacency

Josephs feels Pirates did not show a good attitude at the weekend as they played like a team who thought they would easily win only to be shocked and he fears this could end up derailing their title quest if it is not quickly checked.

“We look like we are just going to go to the field and beat this team instead of knowing we need to give an extra bit there,” Josephs said on SoccerBeat.

⚽️ Moeneeb rages: That was embarrassing! ⚽️

Moeneeb Josephs opens up on exactly how he feels about Orlando Pirates’ exit from the Nedbank Cup 👀⚽️☠️

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“You give a bad pass, you are clapping, players give a bad pass, there are smiles on the faces like it is going to happen and it will be okay. No, not at all.

“That is a wakeup call to everybody in that Orlando Pirates team. Everything can burn down today. From today onwards, everything can go tumbling down if we don’t change our mindsets because this is embarrassing.

Josephs calls for a quick change of attitude

“We have been praising this team 100 per cent all season with the mentality they have, patience they have even when a team sits in a low block but everything was lost and everything we were praising was completely not there.

“Our coach and players need to take a look because it is embarrassing.”

Pirates, who already have the MTN8 and Carling Knockout trophies in the bag, are now left with the PSL to fight for but their lead is just three points over Sundowns, who also have a game in hand.

The Sea Robbers are not in action until Saturday when they visit bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs in a highly-awaited Soweto Derby at the FNB Stadium but they could be playing it when level on points with Sundowns, who face AmaZulu on Tuesday.