Micho hails ‘loved’ Pirates after Horoya win
The coach said the victory was essential to the team because they owed it to their fans.
Milutin Sredojevic (Head Coach) of Orlando Pirates (Steve Haag/BackpagePix)
Micho Sredojevic revealed his Orlando Pirates side was inspired to do well in their next Caf Champions League game following the support they received in Bulawayo in their opening group stages game against FC Platinum two weeks ago. They ended up disappointing their fans as they played to a goalless draw.
However, the Buccaneers went on to record a 3-0 victory against Horoya AC from Guinea at the Orlando Stadium last Friday.
The coach said the victory was essential to the team because they owed it to their fans.
“We have seen that we are not only fully supported, we are loved. And we owed it to our supporters to fully focus and concentrate because we drew the last time. Not getting carried away and critically looking at all the things, players had to analyse everything regarding the opponents and us [technically],” he said.
READ: Shonga brace sets up Pirates’ home win over Horoya
“We knew we are playing a good team that has come to South Africa three times. And when you look at that, they came with confidence and they strengthened the team with few players. It is a team that is playing in the group stages for the third consecutive year.”
However, Sredojevic added the game was not easy and they had to ensure they remained solid at the back: “… we had to tighten up defensively because this team has scored nine goals … and almost all came from inside the box. We had to focus on defending in front of the box and stopping the ball from entering into that area.”
Pirates top the Group B standings, level with Esperance, but with a better goal difference.
Bucs host Baroka FC in Soweto on Tuesday.
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