Makola identifies defensive flaws behind Pirates’ MTN8 final defeat

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola says defensive shortcomings were a key factor in the Buccaneers’ 2-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns in last Saturday’s MTN8 final.

Teboho Mokoena gave Sundowns an early advantage at Moses Mabhida Stadium before Iqraam Rayners sealed victory with a stoppage-time penalty.

Makola, speaking to KickOff, said both teams created opportunities in a closely contested match, but believed Sundowns could have put the result beyond doubt sooner.

“Finals are different to league matches. Finals come with pressure and all that, and in finals there needs to be one winner at the end of the day,” he said.

“I think it was a good final, honestly speaking. I thought it was a good final.

“Both teams tried to fight and tried to get back, but it was not Pirates’ day. Because even when Pirates were attacking in the second half, Sundowns still had a couple of chances, especially on the counter, where they could have punished Pirates.

“It could have been three or two earlier, but they did not take their chances.”

Makola also acknowledged that Pirates had opportunities of their own, while praising both goalkeepers for their performances.

“And so did Pirates. I think both goalkeepers did well. But like I said, there had to be a winner, and on that day, Sundowns were just strong enough or lucky enough to convert their chances,” he added.

Defensive problems costly

The former midfielder said Pirates’ performance at the back fell below the level that has helped the club achieve success in recent seasons.

Although he did not describe the Buccaneers as completely poor defensively, Makola felt they should have dealt with Sundowns’ threat more effectively.

“Look, they created chances and defensively they were not so sloppy, but they could have done better defensively,” he said.

“Knowing Pirates from the past seasons to have kept clean sheets, defensively they’ve been solid and that’s how they won matches, the league and cups.

“And if you concede two goals and there are so many chances created against you in a match, it just clearly shows that maybe there was a bit of inconsistency somewhere at the back.”

Makola added that Pirates also need to improve their finishing after failing to convert their chances in the final.

“Defensively, they were not so solid and I think they can improve up front as well in terms of converting the chances,” he said.

Despite the disappointment, Makola urged Pirates supporters to remain patient, insisting that the team’s overall progress should not be judged solely on the final result.

“But look, the season has just started, people must not, especially Pirates supporters, feel like the team is not doing well,” he said.

“The team is doing well, doing better than a lot of teams, they are headed in the right direction.”