Josephs hails Pirates defence

Johannesburg - Moeneeb Josephs has heaped praise on the Orlando Pirates defenders following the goalkeeper's Man of the Match performance against Platinum Stars on Wednesday.

The Buccaneers kept the defence of their PSL title alive and kicking thanks to an enthralling 4-3 victory over Dikwena in midweek, lifting Pirates to within five points of leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

And Josephs, who rounded off a fine performance with a goal-saving fingertip stop in the dying minutes, says a lot of the credit for the win is down to the Pirates backline.

"The guys at the back kept the shape very well but Stars still managed to get through and scored those goals but all credit goes to the guys who put up a brave fight away from home," he told the club's official website.

He added: "Stars looked daring and playing at home gave them that psychological boost which we had to fight against. In the end we won the match and in doing so we have closed the gap at the top to five points which is quite important for us."

Pirates will be hoping to again cut down the lead at the top of the standings when they host Maritzburg United at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday afternoon.