Truter calls for sharper decision-making after Chippa United defeat by Orlando Pirates

Chippa United coach Brandon Truter says his players must improve their decision-making after a 3-0 defeat by Orlando Pirates on Sunday afternoon.

The Chilli Boys were competitive for much of the match at Kings Park Stadium in Durban, where they hosted the fixture because pitches in the Eastern Cape province were unavailable. They went into half-time level at 0-0, but were undone by three second-half goals from Ghampani Lungu, Lebone Seema and Daniel Msendami.

Truter felt his side remained in contention until the hour mark, despite both teams having opportunities during an evenly balanced opening period.

“Firstly, congratulations to Orlando Pirates, but well done to the boys it was a good effort from them as well. Of course, I felt at 60 minutes we were still in the game, it was still 0-0. First half, we had our chances they had chances – a bit even coming into the 60-minute mark,” Truter told SuperSport TV.

The Chippa coach said his team had managed to contain Orlando Pirates for a period after the interval, but individual errors eventually proved costly.

“But it’s an ongoing process. Second half, we need to rectify and then after 50 minutes we managed to contain and not concede. But I think that’s the only chance they had in the box and then a mistake from Boy, unlike him and then from a set-play.

“But it’s individual mistakes, things we can work out and rectify. But it’s a Chippa team that’s got so much to offer. The boys as well, just going forward – a bit of confidence more, we are getting there nicely so it’s about progression today so congratulations to Orlando Pirates,” he added.

Errors were particularly damaging in phases when Chippa United needed their players to make the right choices while in possession. Truter said the team’s tactical structure gives players options, but the final decision still belongs to the individual on the ball.

“Also, it’s down to individual players that make certain decisions on the ball. People talk about freedom on the ball. I give you an option A,B and C to play – that’s your freedom to play that pass,” the coach added.

He explained that Chippa United work on recognised patterns of movement and play, with players expected to apply those principles when opportunities arise.

“So, what I’m saying in that moment the individual player need to make the correction decisions. We have running patterns, playing patterns, players are principles we have to follow as well for you on the ball to make that decision.

“I think we could’ve exploited some space a bit better, but decision-making here and there on the ball maybe let us down in a few phases of the game.”

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Truter said the performance represented another stage in the team’s development. His main focus now is correcting the mistakes that allowed Orlando Pirates to take control after a first half in which Chippa United had stayed firmly in the contest.