Sekhukhune United’s lack of finishing proves costly again against Orlando Pirates

Sekhukhune United assistant coach Paulus Masehe says the decisive difference between his team and Orlando Pirates was the Buccaneers’ ability to turn limited opportunities into goals.

Sekhukhune suffered a second defeat by Pirates in four days on Tuesday night, losing 2-0 in their Betway Premiership meeting at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The result followed a 1-0 defeat in Saturday’s first leg of the MTN8 semi-final, leaving Babina Noko facing a difficult task in the return fixture.

Despite the consecutive losses, Masehe believes Sekhukhune’s tactical approach was effective and that the outcome was shaped primarily by their lack of precision in the final third.

“Playing against Orlando Pirates doesn’t change. They won’t change how they play because they don’t adapt to anyone,” Masehe told journalists after the match.

“They were clinical today in converting the half chances that they got, then it became a problem.

“But our game plan worked wonderfully well as we expected, maybe to make sure that we get in around them and we created chances from that.

“I think it’s more about just being clinical in the final third that is the missing puzzle into how we play.”

Masehe said Sekhukhune’s display represented an improvement on their performance in the opening match of the MTN8 semi-final. The teams will meet again on Saturday, when Sekhukhune must overturn a 1-0 deficit to keep their hopes of reaching the final alive.

The assistant coach also believes the run of matches against the reigning league champions has helped his players develop greater confidence.

“The performance from Saturday and the performance from today is a bit different from us and it shows that at least the guys have developed a much better confidence to be able to take the game to Pirates,” he added.

Sekhukhune created opportunities in Tuesday’s contest but were unable to make them count, while Pirates punished the chances that came their way. Masehe’s assessment places the emphasis on improving execution rather than making major changes to the team’s overall approach.

The return leg of the MTN8 semi-final will take place only days after the latest meeting, giving Sekhukhune an immediate opportunity to respond. They will need to combine the confidence Masehe identified in their recent performances with greater efficiency in front of goal if they are to overturn the one-goal deficit and eliminate Pirates.

The two defeats have given Orlando Pirates the advantage in the closely spaced contests, but Sekhukhune’s coaching staff remain encouraged by the team’s ability to take the game to their opponents.

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