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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates long serving defender Happy Jele said the Buccaneers need to display their character in order to get back to winning ways following yet another disappointing defeat to Bidvest Wits.
The Sea Robbers' misery continued after dropping all three points in a 2-1 loss to the high-flying Clever Boys at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday.
Gabadinho Mhango’s brace was sufficient to send the Students to the summit of the Absa Premiership log, while Jele’s consolation strike wasn't enough to get the Soweto giants back in the game.
The 30-year-old versatile player has admitted that their 6-0 thumping by Mamelodi Sundowns last weekend was a wake-up call and they intend to redeem themselves going forward.
"Magents", as Jele is affectionately known, also explained his reasoning behind stepping up into the Buccaneers last line of defence after goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane was given his marching orders for deliberately handling the ball outside the box.
"We needed to show character on the field of play," said Jele.
"We lost our 'keeper (Jackson Mabokgwane) and our three substitutions were done so I had to show the leadership and just take the jersey and be the 'keeper.
"I think what happened last weekend was miserable for the team and it wakes the team up.
"Today we wanted to show character to prove that we are committed to the team and we want to win.
"You saw the performance today was better than the previous game and we need to build from this game.
"With the way we played today a win will come. We need to show character and that we mean business."
Pirates will be looking to amend their predicament when they face the in-form Cape Town City at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 20:15.
