Johannesburg - Roger de Sa insists it was a “silly error” which cost Orlando Pirates maximum points as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Bloemfontein Celtic on Wednesday night.

According to the soccerladuma.co.za website, Tlou Segolela gave the Buccaneers the lead on 78 minutes, but a stoppage-time header from Vuyani Ntanga ensured the points were shared at the Orlando Stadium.

Pirates head coach, De Sa, said, “I was pretty happy. Every time we play Celtic we play don’t play too badly and it’s a team we like to play against.

VIDEO: Pirates v Bloem Celtic, highlights

“I thought we did enough, but it was a silly error in the dying minutes to concede the goal. We actually practiced against that and we let it slip again. We need to have the mettle to counter that and with so many players out we just need to persevere and work harder."

The former goalkeeper admitted he thought the one goal would be enough to ensure the victory, but is confident his players will be able to pick themselves up in time for Saturday’s Soweto Derby against league leaders Kaizer Chiefs.

“The lesson is that we have to hold out until the final minute. We dominated most parts of the game, and obviously they’re a good team that came hard at us,” said De Sa.

“I thought the one goal would have been enough, but it’s a soft goal and everyone is down in the dumps right now. I suppose the good thing is that we didn’t lose, but we have to pick ourselves up again and get ready for the derby.”