Tinkler issued warning to Pirates players

Cape Town – Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler admits that Mamelodi Sundowns punished his side in the first-half of their Absa Premiership encounter.

Sundowns hit the back of the net twice through Leonardo Castro and Khama Billiat as Pitso Mosimane’s charges claim a 2-1 victory at Orlando Stadium.

According to KickOff, Tinkler reveals that on the day he warned his players of Sundowns’ attacking threat.

“We warned the players of that and unfortunately we got caught ball-watching on the first goal. But before that we created two chances that we didn’t take.

“I think that was the big difference on the day, chances they created they punished us, and we created chances but we didn’t put them in the back of the net.

However, Mpho Makola ensured a nervy last 20 minutes for Sundowns after whipping in a sensational free-kick on 70th minute.

“Second-half I thought we reacted well, it was important for us to try and get ourselves back into the game, which is what we did, and then we put them under pressure, but unfortunately we just couldn’t get the equaliser.”