Orlando Pirates defender Bandile Shandu has conceded they are to blame for the recent back-to-back losses in the Caf Champions League and Premier Soccer League, respectively.
The Buccaneers were eliminated from the prestigious annual club competition on the continent with a 3-2 loss against Egyptian outfit Pyramids in the second leg after a goalless draw in the first leg of the semi-final played in Mzansi.
On Wednesday, they were beaten by a solitary goal at the Orlando Stadium by Sekhukhune United, which has put in doubt their quest to win the PSL title in the ongoing campaign. Interestingly, all four goals were scored from set pieces.
On Saturday, the Sea Robbers will be at the FNB Stadium to play against their old rivals Kaizer Chiefs, in the Soweto derby. Shandu insists they know what they are supposed to do, and that they don't need motivation for the game.
‘Orlando Pirates want to bounce back'
“It is going to be tough. We respect our opponents, but we also know how good we are as well, and if we do the right things according to the game plan, we will get the results,” the versatile defender said ahead of the game.
“The derby itself is an occasion where not much motivation is needed. The occasion motivates you, as Orlando Pirates, we want to bounce back from previous results. We've been working very hard to rectify our mistakes from the previous games. We are working hard to get better as individuals, as a team as well, and I think if we do what the coach wants, the results will take care of themselves.
“We need to work hard like we have been, working for one another, derbies are those games where you need to fight as a team, we showed that before, and we just need to carry on with that,” Shandu concluded.
The two teams will meet again on May 10 in the Nedbank Cup final to be played at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
