Chiloane says Pirates’ missed chances highlight South Africa’s striker shortage

Former Orlando Pirates striker Reason Chiloane says the club’s failure to convert numerous opportunities in their 3-0 Carling Knockout victory over Milford FC highlights the lack of prolific strikers in South Africa.

Pirates secured their place in the Last 16 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday after scoring all three of their goals before half-time. However, their attacking intensity dropped after the interval, frustrating head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou.

The Moroccan made clear after the match that he expected his players to continue pressing for more goals, rather than ease off once the result appeared secure.

“If we have to put eight goals against Milford, we have to show Milford that we are not playing at the same level,” Ouaddou said during his post-match press conference.

“I don’t want to let people think that Pirates is only a name. We cannot say that. We can’t let people say that.

“So, it’s why I’m angry. When we wear this shirt with this badge of Pirates, you need to transform yourself in every game. I’m not here to nurse anybody. I don’t have time.”

Chiloane, who previously won the National First Division Golden Boot, agrees that Pirates should have taken greater advantage of their chances.

“For a team to just score only three goals out of those chances is disappointing. They should have won by eight goals at least,” Chiloane said, speaking to KickOff.

He believes the match exposed a wider problem with finishing in the domestic game, arguing that South African clubs lack forwards capable of converting limited opportunities.

“What happened against Milford exposes the quality of the strikers we have here in South Africa. It shows we don’t have deadly people who can score even half a chance.

“The market is dry in South Africa when it comes to strikers, to be honest.

“People don’t know how to score. It has to start from the grassroots. We see it’s a worrying factor, but still we don’t attend to it,” he added.

Pirates will have a quick opportunity to respond when they face Kaizer Chiefs in the Soweto Derby on Saturday.

The match will be played at FNB Stadium and is scheduled to kick off at 15:30, with Ouaddou expected to demand a stronger performance from his players after their second-half display against Milford.