Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Orlando Pirates, now third on the Absa Premiership table after their goalless draw against struggling Black Leopards, are still optimistic that they will catch up with the league's frontrunners soon.

This was said by the Bucs' PRO Mickey Modisane after their game at the Johannesburg Stadium on Saturday

"We missed a lot of chances, but the players showed character. The coach wanted them to push harder but the situation was beyond our control," he said.

Lidoda Duvha's brand manager Tshifhiwe "Chief" Thidiela was also on cloud nine after the game.

"We're happy with the point we got away from home and not conceding a goal. We're aware of the tough road ahead of us and the players are working harder than before.

"We hope this draw is a sign of a turning point for the better.

"But time is running out for us and we need to start collecting points. We hope that Lady Luck will smile on us again because the guys are playing well.

"We're not throwing in the towel yet, we have to be positive and fight until the last game," said Thidiela.

The game itself was interesting and both sides played good football.

Lidoda Duvha did not look like a team that is at the bottom of the league table with their good passes and numerous attempts at goals. But it was clear that the visitors were in the game for a point because they sometimes played defensively.

Pirates coach Owen da Gama introduced Manuel " Tico Tico" Bucuane who has been absent for a long time following a knee injury. Bucuane came in for Gilbert Mushangazhike,