Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates have regained their fighting spirit, according to head coach Vladimir Vermezovic after his side clawed their way back from a goal down to beat SuperSport United on Sunday.
Orlando Pirates had lost some momentum during the recent FIFA breaks for international fixtures, Vermezovic admitted, which was compounded by the death of former captain Senzo Meyiwa, and he was delighted with their 2-1 victory in Atteridgeville.
"The spirit we had in the first part of the season, which we lost after the first FIFA break, has fortunately come back," he said.
"It's been a tough schedule, but we are professionals and we like to play every third day, and now we're going to celebrate because the players deserve it.
"From tomorrow (Monday) we're going to prepare for the next game."
Thuso Phala put SuperSport United in front in the 21st minute, but Issa Sarr equalised with less than 20 minutes remaining.
The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the closing stages, after Roscoe Pietersen was sent off for a second infringement, and Sifiso Myeni buried the winner in second-half injury time.
While Pirates climbed to fourth place in the Premiership standings, with their fifth win from 10 league matches this season, United continued to struggle in 10th position, after going down in their sixth defeat of the campaign.