NEW Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa is relieved that his job got off to a good start with a win on Saturday, but he is not chuffed with the team's failure to score more goals.
"It is a big challenge for us," said De Sa, after an Andile Jali goal ensured a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars in his first match at Pirates.
Prior to that win, Pirates had played in four league and cup matches without scoring a goal, but conceded six. They played two goalless draws with SuperSport United, but went on to lose 3-0 against the same Matsatsantsa a Pitori and Moroka Swallows.
"It feels good after the win but there is nothing new, I'm still doing the same job. I work with a group of great people," De Sa said.
"I thought we played well against Platinum Stars. The only problem is that we still need to score more goals, which is something we are attending to at training.
"Once we get that issue right, I have no doubt we will really do well. I believe in continuity, so it is important for us to be consistent after the win over Stars.
"It was great to see Pirates supporters celebrating after they'd had two successive defeats. You have to remember they are not used to losing."
De Sa is happy with the united spirit in the team.
"We are working together, it's a great atmosphere," he said.
With the injured Benni McCarthy having committed himself and the rest of the team to supporting De Sa, Bucs should soon be back to their winning ways.
De Sa made it clear that Lucky Lekgwathi is still the captain of the club he has served with aplomb for 10 years: "The only time Lucky will not captain the club is when he is not playing - the armband will go to Siyabonga (Sangweni)."
De Sa said he wants to reclaim the African Champions League title, which Pirates won in 1995.
Pirates take on Ajax Cape Town in their next league game at Orlando Stadium next Tuesday.
De Sa works on sharper attack
NEW Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa is relieved that his job got off to a good start with a win on Saturday, but he is not chuffed with the team's failure to score more goals.
"It is a big challenge for us," said De Sa, after an Andile Jali goal ensured a 1-0 win over Platinum Stars in his first match at Pirates.
Prior to that win, Pirates had played in four league and cup matches without scoring a goal, but conceded six. They played two goalless draws with SuperSport United, but went on to lose 3-0 against the same Matsatsantsa a Pitori and Moroka Swallows.
"It feels good after the win but there is nothing new, I'm still doing the same job. I work with a group of great people," De Sa said.
"I thought we played well against Platinum Stars. The only problem is that we still need to score more goals, which is something we are attending to at training.
"Once we get that issue right, I have no doubt we will really do well. I believe in continuity, so it is important for us to be consistent after the win over Stars.
"It was great to see Pirates supporters celebrating after they'd had two successive defeats. You have to remember they are not used to losing."
De Sa is happy with the united spirit in the team.
"We are working together, it's a great atmosphere," he said.
With the injured Benni McCarthy having committed himself and the rest of the team to supporting De Sa, Bucs should soon be back to their winning ways.
De Sa made it clear that Lucky Lekgwathi is still the captain of the club he has served with aplomb for 10 years: "The only time Lucky will not captain the club is when he is not playing - the armband will go to Siyabonga (Sangweni)."
De Sa said he wants to reclaim the African Champions League title, which Pirates won in 1995.
Pirates take on Ajax Cape Town in their next league game at Orlando Stadium next Tuesday.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending
Latest Videos