Pirates must stay anchored

Johannesburg - Following an historic victory over one of Africa's football giants in the Caf champions league, Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa is making sure his team keep their feet on the ground.

The Buccaneers thumped the five-time Caf champions league winners Zamalek 4-1 in their match at Orlando Stadium on Saturday in a rampant display of football.

The result followed the 3-0 demolishment of Al Ahly - fellow African giants from Egypt - on August 4, and capped a historic fortnight for the Soweto side.

The coach, however, did not read too much into the significance of the win.

“This is just another victory,” said De Sa.

“We haven't won anything yet, here we won two matches, we still might not qualify for next round.

“Forget the past and worry about the future.”

On seven points Pirates top group A and face two away games against Zamalek and AC Leopards before hosting Al Ahly in a three-week period in September.

De Sa conceded it would indeed be difficult to continue their good results especially with two games away, and was conservative with his predictions.

“This game was three points we needed, our target should be 10 points.

“I would've taken 1-0, and this is another good result and we will continue to build on this.”

Pirates took the lead in the 27th minute, but immediately conceded two minutes later to send the sides into the interval at one goal apiece.

“We gave away a silly goal. Maybe on another day we won't be able to bounce back and we can't make those mistakes at this level.”

De Sa said he told his players at the break they would have their chances in the second half, and it would be vital to use those opportunities.

“I don't think we're a team that can play for a draw as we're a very attacking side.

“We gave a goal away after two minutes, we discussed that.

“We knew after that Zamalek had to open up and would be chasing the game, and they made a few errors at the back. Somehow in Africa we keep converting those chances.”

Ahead of away games in Egypt and Congo, De Sa said he would be striving for consistency.

“Going away for two games now, it's important we keep playing this way and not change too much.

“When teams are very cagey we find it difficult to break them down. Those upcoming games will be open and we'll give ourselves a chance.”