Publications
Partners
Cape Town - Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic believes his side broke through a psychological barrier by beating Polokwane City for the first time in three years on Tuesday.
The Sea Robbers last defeated City in 2015 before going on a seven-game winless streak against Rise and Shine.
However, they got back to winning ways on Tuesday night at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane with goals from Marcelo and Justin Shonga sealing the three Premiership points.
The home side managed a late consolation which came from Ayanda Nkili in the last minute of the contest.
As such, Sredojevic was pleased with the performance especially as it came just three days after beating AmaZulu in a Telkom Knockout quarter-final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
Speaking to SuperSport TV after the game, he said: "After the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout we came here 72 hours [after] to play the game. We had an imbalanced squad, five of them that were having fresh legs and five of them with the match-fitness from Saturday.
"First half we didn't start well. The opponent was dominating in the first 15 minutes. We were cagey in the first half, limited chances, limited space.
"At halftime we sorted out what we were supposed to sort, to provide the numbers going forward. Scoring that goal, we could wrap up the game, scoring the second goal I'm so happy for [Justin] Shonga, he's so much under pressure. But in the last three games he assisted three goals and scored one goal. This is extra contribution.
"The instructions were clear that we don't defend by sitting back but by possessing the ball. And when you possess the opponent is rushing to chase the result. You're making mistakes, this is how the corner came and we conceded that goal.
"These three points mean a lot to us especially as since 2015 Pirates have not beaten Polokwane [City] so even that mental hill we jumped over and succeeded. The win means a lot to us because confidence you can get only by winning."
