Tottenham Hotspurs coach Glen Hoddle blamed the pitch of Absa Stadium in Durban after his side lost to Orlando Pirates by 2-1 in a SA 2010 Bid Challenge on Saturday.
”I’m very disappointed about the pitch. It is not good for a soccer match. The grass is so high. It is unplayable under such conditions,” said Hoddle who praised Pirates players for their performance.
The first goal of the game was scored by Steve Lekoelea in the 75th minute with a thunderous free kick after Spurs, Tarrico Maricio, had fouled Bheka Phakathi just outside the penalty box.
Spurs equalised a minute later through an own goal by Bucs defender Felix Muamba Musasa who inadvertently converted Helder Postiga’s cross.
In the 83rd minute Spurs defender, Steve Carr, handled the ball in the penalty box and referee Walter Mochubela did not hesitate to point to the penalty spot. Lesley ‘Slow Poison’ Manyathela made no mistake to regain Buc’s lead.
The visitors did up the tempo in search of an equaliser but their efforts were in vain as Pirates players started to toy with them when in possession.
Spurs only chance to level the score came in the 89th minute when David Galbraith delivered a dangerous cross which was headed over the bar by Antony Gardners.
The visitors started the game without their star striker Robbie Keane who replaced Gus Poyet in the second half.
Glenn Hoddle’s side will play Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday night in Cape Town in another bid match.
Meanwhile, the visitors star player, Robbie Keane, said he is very fond of this country.
”I was very impressed visiting South Africa. The standard of football is better than 10 years ago. There’s a lot of talent here,” said Keane.
Commenting about the game he said it was very tough, especially in the second half, when Pirates completely outplayed them.
”Also, I would like to mention that it was the first game for our goalkeeper Robert Burch. Although we lost to Pirates we will be better prepared to beat Kaizer Chiefs on Tuesday,” concluded Keane. – Sapa