Pirates coach Micho again raves about Matlaba role
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin "Micho" Sredojevic has insisted that the Buccaneers are still redeeming themselves after a disastrous campaign last season.
Sredojevic's emphasis came after a 0-0 draw against Maritzburg United on Friday at Harry Gwala Stadium.
"We played against a very good team. This is a very tough place to come play in. We are still in a process of building and redeeming ourselves after what happened last season [finishing 11th]," said the Buccaneers coach.
"We need to be much better and faster in ball circulation and build-ups. We need to have better solutions in finishing, especially from the flanks when the ball is crossed into the box of our opponents.
"We will look forward and correct all those things that we are lacking so far."
The former Uganda national team tactician expects his captain, Thabo Matlaba, to excel in the middle after converting him from playing at the back in the past two games.
"Last season the midfield was very open and that is why we conceded over 40 goals. I had to reorganise the midfield between two playmakers [Mpho] Makola and [Musa] Nyatama. One plays closer to attack [and another] one closer to defence. We need balance which will complement both of them, and Matlaba is doing that job well."
The Sea Robbers host Cape Town City tomorrow at FNB Stadium (7.30pm) and Sredojevic is not worried to face a fresher and well-rested City side who were not in action at the weekend.
"I know they might have an advantage, but the most important thing is how I recover my team. We will use all elements of recovering, whether it's nutrition or training."
Meanwhile, Platinum Stars picked their first point of the season following their 0-0 stalemate against Chippa United on Saturday at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, while Baroka stunned Free State Stars 1-0.
Fixtures (all 7.30pm)
Tomorrow: Polokwane v FS Stars, Peter Mokaba Stadium; SuperSport v Chippa, Lucas Moripe Stadium; Pirates v CPT City, FNB Stadium
Wednesday: Maritzburg v Chiefs, Harry Gwala Stadium; Celtic v Baroka, Free State Stadium; AmaZulu v Wits, King Zwelithini Stadium; Platinum v Arrows, Royal Bafokeng