Rhulani Mokwena of Orlando Pirates ( BackpagePix)
Orlando Pirates interim coach Rulani Mokwena kept trying to focus on the positives, even though his side were knocked out of the Caf Champions League by Green Eagles at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday evening.
Bucs failed to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit – playing to a 1-1 draw against the Zambian side. The loss saw Mokwena’s men register their fifth game in a row without a win.
“Of course confidence is the consequence of results, wins bring confidence and at the moment they have been in short supply and at the same time goals haven’t been coming. But, like in the game against AmaZulu FC, in this moment, the marginal gain against AmaZulu is a clean sheet, the marginal gain tonight (Saturday) is that we managed to put the ball into the back of the net from the many chances we created,” said Mokwena.
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“We can do better, we know that we can do better it is just about finding that victory and also getting back to work and finding a balance and stability in our game. But at least the Fifa break is coming and it will give us the opportunity to put in some work because we have a very good technical team and at this moment we believe we need a little time to stabilise things and give our players confidence.”
Mokwena is yet to celebrate a victory since taking over the head coach role at Bucs following the departure of Micho Sredojevic, which might dent his chances of getting the job on a permanent basis. However, he says he is not thinking about that.
“No, not at all, it’s not about me and every time I come out I carry a different responsibility. Unfortunately, when you are put into a leadership position you can’t be selfish, you can’t think of yourself. It would be extremely unwise of me to even think of myself and trying to get this position. The chairman always says the moment always finds the man – the man doesn’t find the moment.
“So, we go on and with the support that we have, like I said, we have a very good team, a team that fights and continues to fight and try their best. They are honest boys and we have a very good technical staff that gives them a lot of support.”
Pirates’ next fixture is a league encounter against KwaZulu-Natal side Golden Arrows at the Orlando Stadium on Wedenesday night.
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