The Happy People were smiling again as Orlando Pirates scored their best win of the season on Wednesday night, and underlined how much they have improved under coach Ruud Krol this season, in knocking Mamelodi Sundowns out of the title race with a 2-0 win in an emotionally charged Absa Premiership clash played at Ellis Park.
Even the normally serious Krol sported a big smile afterwards. But he was still cautious after hearing that defending champions SuperSport United defeated Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0 in their Wednesday fixture played at the Super Stadium.
Said Krol: ”This was a big win and considering we played the last 30 minutes or so a man short, then yes, this is one of our best performances of the season. But what is important is that we have overtaken Sundowns and moved into second place.”
United head the standings with 46 points, with Bucs six points behind, but they have a match in hand. But like a true professional, the former Dutch international captain was not counting any proverbial chickens before they’ve hatched.
”A game in hand is not three points. If we get three points from that game, then we will reduce the gap to three points, but until then a game in hand is just that. It is not points.”
But there is no question Pirates are starting to look more like a team capable of challenging SuperSport.
Said Krol: ”It has taken time for the players to understand my philosophy. It was not easy for the players to adapt to my tactics at the start of the season when I took charge. But I am pleased to say things are starting to fall into place. But there is still a long way to go as one thing I have learnt since arriving in South Africa, is there are no easy games in the PSL. There are teams fighting to win the championship, trying to qualify for the top eight and others battling relegation. Beating Sundowns keeps us in touch.”
Bucs lost tough-as-teak defender Lucky Lekgwathi, who was sent off in the 61st minute by referee Daniel Bennett for a second bookable offence. ”We seemed to play better with 10 men. It was a gutsy display all round.”
He was delighted with the first goal in the first half in which Katlego Mashego volleyed home his third goal for his new club from a Teko Modise free kick. ”We have worked on that move at training and it is pleasing when it comes off in a game,” said Krol. Modise, the midfield craftsman, scored the second and killer goal in the 63rd minute.
Krol hinted he might rest a few players for their Nedbank Cup first-round clash against SuperSport United at Ellis Park on Saturday.
But he added: ”I do not have a squad of 22 quality stars like Manchester United so I will have a look at injuries on Friday and take it from there as regards who will play in the Cup match.”
Sundowns coach Henri Michel said he was disappointed but praised Pirates. He was far from happy with his side: ”I said three months ago we did not have balance. What was exposed again was that we do not have any width and players to cross in quality balls. Technically we were not good enough and now we will have to do our best until the end of the season.”
In other Absa Premiership games played on Wednesday, Santos beat Thanda Royal Zulu 2-1, Wits defeated Ajax Cape Town 1-0, Chiefs beat Lamontville Golden Arrows 1-0 and Maritzburg United overcame Bay United 2-1. — Sapa