Orlando Pirates coach Mandla Ncikazi admits they disappointed those who support the club and reflected on the ‘regrets’ after the CAF Confederation Cup final defeat.
Pirates looked to be the side in control for large spells of the final against RS Berkane and seemingly had the advantage of the home crowd at the neutral venue in Uyo, Nigeria last week.
With their influential defender Olisa Ndah having won the league at the same stadium during his time with Akwa United last season it appeared to be a homecoming that could well end in their favour.
But after the 1-1 draw after extra-time, Thembinkosi Lorch missed a spot-kick as the Morrocans won 5-4 on penalties to secure their second Confederation Cup crown in three seasons.
“I’m disappointed that we disappointed fans at home, we disappointed millions of South Africans, we disappointed the Nigerian fans we have at home, we disappointed the Ghanaians, we disappointed Namibians, disappointed Zimbabweans and Malawians,” he said after the game.
“Honestly it’s not a match we should have lost, it was a match that was clearly there for us to take but we didn’t do that. It’s not complete, we wanted to dominate the ball, create chances but take them. It’s not a complete set when you create the amount of chances we created but don’t take them and this is the outcome of not completing the way we wanted to play.
“We wanted to play with the ball and limit the opponents, I’m not sure they created more than three chances – but in the game of football, if you don’t use your chances you end up with regrets that we have.”
Pirates return to DStv Premiership action on Tuesday evening at the Orlando Stadium when they face Maritzburg United at 19h30.
