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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler believes their fortunes will turn around following the heart-to-heart between players and the technical team after the 1-0 loss to Jomo Cosmos.
The Buccaneers have been in free-fall since losing in the final of the CAF Confederation Cup, with things not going well for them in the Premiership.
But that could all change in their Soweto derby clash with arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs on Satuday, if Tinkler's words are anything to go by.
"We actually said it's a clean slate, let's put everything that has happened behind us and let's move forward," Tinkler said.
"There has been a lot of pressure on everybody. In the last couple of games I could see that the players were playing with fear, that they could lose the ball or they would make a mistake.
"In football you can't afford to do that. Football is all about risks and mistakes, you have to accept that and play to your best abilities. If you fear that you will make a mistake, you can't perform at your maximum."
Tinkler's confidence levels has been boosted by Bucs chairman Irvin Khoza publicly backing the coach amid calls for his sacking by disgruntled Pirates fans.
"I am very happy that the chairman has done that," he added. "I am under no illusion though. I have a task to complete.
"I need to do it to the best of my abilities. I have stated it before, I will continue doing my job believing that I am doing the right thing.
"I am highly motivated still, players still back me and we will turn it around."
