A SHOCK defeat has doomed Orlando Pirates to a fate that is almost certain to exclude a third successive league title, but coach Roger de Sa says his team has no option but to keep fighting.

Following a 1-0 Absa Premiership loss to Chippa United at Orlando Stadium on Tuesday night, the Buccaneers were left with only a mathematical chance of defending their crown.

"We've got to keep on winning all our games. We can't throw in the towel," De Sa said.

"We've got to get maximum points every time we play."

Appointed by the Soweto giants earlier this season, De Sa was unsure if his job was in jeopardy following their midweek loss, which gave United some hope of avoiding relegation in their maiden season.

"If you're asking me about staying or leaving, that's not my decision," De Sa said.

"I'm here to do a job and that's it. We do the best we can with what we have and we'll continue to do so."

Pirates had used a different line-up from their previous league match - a 1-0 win over BidVest Wits three days earlier.

"We tried to take the game to them. We put in a couple of fresh legs after some of the guys were tired from Saturday night. We tried different players, different ways."

Ultimately, Pirates wasted their opportunities and it came back to haunt them, according to De Sa, as they conceded a goal with four minutes left.