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Johannesburg - The “forgotten” man of Orlando Pirates, midfield playmaker Teko Modise, bounced back in style on Saturday to help his side outplay bottom club Moroka Swallows 2-0 in the original Soweto Derby at the Dobsonville Stadium.
This was Modise’s first start for the Buccaneers since September 18 and he made the most of it, helping Pirates collect three valuable points to move into second place on the Absa Premiership – six behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
Modise was one of five changes made by head coach Ruud Krol, and the Bafana Bafana midfielder produced a man of the match performance, having had a hand in both goals.
Modise replaced suspended Daine Klate and has give Krol food for thought as Bucs get ready for the final match of the year against Platinum Stars at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
The experienced Modise, who has been frustrated by being left out of Krol’s plans for much of the past three months holds no grudges and hopes for more starts this season.
“I was glad to be back. I will continue to keep working hard to help Pirates.”
Swallows and new coach Gordon Igesund are in for their fight of their lives if the Birds are to avoid relegation. They have three points from 11 matches and are still looking for their first league win of the season.
However, Krol was not looking too far into the future when asked if Pirates could win the championship.
“We are second now, that is good. But there is still a long road ahead and anything can happen. I want to finish 2010 with three points against Stars and that would see Pirates end a fantastic year on a high note.”
Bucs lifted the MTN8 cup - their first trophy win in a decade - in September, but lost back-to-back cup and league matches against Kaizer Chiefs - losses that still annoy their fans.
The former Dutch captain was happy with the win over bottom side Swallows, but was concerned about the chances his side missed including a 45th minute penalty that skipper Lucky Lekgwathi blasted over the crossbar.
The worst culprit was substitute Ndumiso Mabena who missed two sitters late in the game. “At least we are creating chances. But we should have sewn up the match in the first half,” said Krol.
Ezenwa Otorogu and Tlou Segolela scored the goals.
Birds coach Gordon Igesund, who joined the club three weeks ago, was unhappy with the way his side capitulated.
“We made stupid mistakes in defence which I am not going to accept any longer. We gifted Pirates the first goal with a back header (from defender Roger da Coast) and after that we were chasing the game. But take nothing away from Pirates, they deserved their win as they were the better side on the day. Pirates are a good side and deserved their three points.”
Igesund said he was in the market for two wingers and other players when they January transfer window opens.
Said the disappointed Igesund who was in charge of the winless Birds for the second time, “We need two wingers. We cannot keep playing down the middle. I will strengthen the squad in January.”
Igesund said it could have been different had Siyabonga Nomvete’s shot not hit the crossbar in the 63rd minute with the score at 1-0.
“Had that shot gone in we would have been back in the game. But it was not to be.”
Igesund will be determined to finish off 2010 with their first win when they travel to Cape Town to play Vasco da Gama on Wednesday night.
Nomvete admitted his side could have done better.
“We need to work harder.
We are in a difficult position and need to fight harder to get out of it. We now have to collect three points against Vasco on Wednesday.”
