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Cape Town - Eric Tinkler admits Orlando Pirates have lost the 'arrogance' that once made them such a force in the PSL, but is determined to reignite their passion ahead of Wednesday's clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
READ: Pelembe's Bucs exist beckons.
Just two years ago, the Buccaneers were simply untouchable in South Africa, securing an unprecedented double treble as they entered each match with a visually evident swagger.
However, the Soweto giants have come crashing back down to earth this season and currently find themselves ninth in the top-flight standings, already 19 points adrift of leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
The Sea Robbers next face reigning PSL champions Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium this week, but enter the game on the back of successive defeats, having gone down to Maritzburg United and then Amakhosi, with the former result costing Vladimir Vermezovic his job as head coach.
Tinkler has since been appointed as the club's caretaker tactician, and the former Bidvest Wits assistant is determined to return to the side to their glory days.
"When I was the assistant coach at Wits, we knew that getting points at Orlando Stadium was very difficult," said the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.
"There was this arrogance and belief in the Pirates team back then, but I think we have lost it.
"It's really important for us to win this home game. I will make certain changes."
Tinkler continued: "Sundowns are a strong team. They won the league and are difficult to beat. We have had two defeats in a row and the morale has been low. I firmly believe that one positive result will turn our season around.
READ: Pelembe's Bucs exist beckons.
Just two years ago, the Buccaneers were simply untouchable in South Africa, securing an unprecedented double treble as they entered each match with a visually evident swagger.
However, the Soweto giants have come crashing back down to earth this season and currently find themselves ninth in the top-flight standings, already 19 points adrift of leaders Kaizer Chiefs.
The Sea Robbers next face reigning PSL champions Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium this week, but enter the game on the back of successive defeats, having gone down to Maritzburg United and then Amakhosi, with the former result costing Vladimir Vermezovic his job as head coach.
Tinkler has since been appointed as the club's caretaker tactician, and the former Bidvest Wits assistant is determined to return to the side to their glory days.
"When I was the assistant coach at Wits, we knew that getting points at Orlando Stadium was very difficult," said the former Bafana Bafana midfielder.
"There was this arrogance and belief in the Pirates team back then, but I think we have lost it.
"It's really important for us to win this home game. I will make certain changes."
Tinkler continued: "Sundowns are a strong team. They won the league and are difficult to beat. We have had two defeats in a row and the morale has been low. I firmly believe that one positive result will turn our season around.
"We had a good, long chat with the players. We also gave them a chance to voice their opinion on whatever concerns they have."
LIVE scoring and interactive commentary of the Absa Premiership encounter between Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.
