Johannesburg - SuperSport United coach Gordon Igesund expects an improved performance against Orlando Pirates at the Telkom Knockout semi-final on Saturday at Orlando Stadium.
Igesund was surprisingly unhappy with his side's showing in their 1-0 Premiership win over struggling Moroka Swallows at Dobsonville Stadium on Wednesday night.
"It wasn't a great performance from our guys, but I'm happy with the three points," Igesund said afterwards.
"We are now looking forward to the game on Saturday against Pirates, but we will need to improve our defending. We were a little bit shaky at the back and not as comfortable as we could have been."
Dove Wome scored the only goal of the match on the stroke of half-time, helping United return to winning ways after being on the receiving end of a 4-1 drubbing by Maritzburg United in their last league outing.
The loss against Maritzburg was Igesund's first defeat since taking over at the club two months ago and the former Bafana Bafana boss was pleased to see the side getting back among the points.
"The guys fought hard and I'm happy we managed to win. But I must compliment Swallows. I think they played really well and it was always going to be a tough game after their match against Chiefs.
"I thought they were unlucky to draw that match against Chiefs."
Igesund said he had to make some tough changes for the match, dropping Michael Morton, Thabo Moloi and Clayton Daniels.
Meanwhile, Swallows caretaker coach Fani Madida felt his side deserved to get something out of the match having played well and created decent chances.
"We managed to control the game and I think a draw would have been a true reflection of the match," Madida said.
"The players are now understanding my philosophy. You could see the team was creating chances and the goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the man of the match."
Swallows were without a win in their last six outings. They have collected just one point from a possible 18 and remain 13th on the log with 10 points from as many matches.
SuperSport were in seventh place with 15 points, also after 10 games.