Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng has reacted to the Buccaneers’ failure to beat Durban City this past weekend.
Needing a victory to secure the Betway Premiership title, the Sea Robbers were held to a goalless draw at the Orlando Stadium.
Pirates still have a chance to win the league if they beat Orbit College on Saturday.
Mofokeng admitted Durban City made life difficult for Pirates, with the visitors arriving determined to defend deep and frustrate the hosts.
“It was very difficult from the very beginning until the end. They came to defend and they did it very well. I think they were preparing for that the whole week,” Mofokeng told SuperSport TV in his post-match assessment.
“We also tried to create chances, but we didn’t convert them. We could have converted our chances, so we could be having a different conversation here.”
Mofokeng makes Pirates assessment
Meanwhile, Abdeslam Ouaddou felt his players were heavily targeted physically during the clash and defended his squad after the match.
“There is a difference between playing with strength and physicality on the ball and trying to break players. This is not my mentality and never will be, firstly as an educator before being a coach,” Ouaddou told the media.
“We need to protect the players. If someone cannot protect them in the middle of the pitch, then I have to protect them.
“We must not forget that there are children in the stands.
“We have to be an example. Football has to be a bridge, an example and a model for the next generation.”
Mofokeng is Pirates top scorer in the league with 10 goals.