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Cape Town - Orlando Pirates left-back Thabo Matlaba believes an early exit from MTN 8 cup has come as a wake-up call for them in identifying their shortcomings as early as possible.
The 28-year-old attack-minded full-back was impressive in Bucs' defensive line which was a bit disorganised in a 2-1 defeat to Bidvest Wits in the MTN 8 encounter on Saturday night at Bidvest Stadium.
"It has come as a disappointment for us [players] and our supporters as well to have been knocked out of the tournament so early," Matlaba told Vodacom Soccer.
"Yes, our backline committed some errors and unnecessary fouls in danger zones, but pointing fingers to anyone won't be a solution at all. We all have to take a blame as a team and go back to the drawing board and rectify our mistakes and come a better team in our next game.
"I strongly believe that our defeat to Wits has come as a wake-up call for us in identifying our shortcomings as early as possible, with the season having just started.
"You can see that our coach is still trying to find a right combination in the team's squad, but as the season progresses things will be falling into place.
"With the squad we have, blended with young blood and experienced, we have what it takes to challenge for honours this season. It's just a matter of time before we click. We have put behind our knockout failure and are ready to return our focus on League matters," Matlaba concluded.
The Buccaneers, who started the Absa Premiership season campaign on a high after trouncing Golden Arrows 3-1 last Wednesday, will resume their season with an away trip to Ajax Cape Town on Tuesday, 13 September.
