Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic has already turned his focus to the upcoming Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs after progressing to the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout.

The Sea Robbers secured their progression to the next round of the cup competition after a hard-fought 1-0 win over Chippa United.

Pirates dominated the first half but only took the lead through a Vincent Pule strike after 60 minutes. Sredojevic’s team then, however, seemed to drop off their opponents and invite pressure on to themselves. Despite a late push, Eric Tinkler’s side could not find a goal as Pirates progressed to the next round.

Speaking to SuperSport after the game, the Serbian tactician admitted that his side subconsciously sat back.

‘At half-time, we agreed to go for that hit that would make us go through because nothing is for free,’ said Sredojevic.

‘Cup competitions give chances to everyone. We have played against a very good, organised team. It’s important to us that in that balanced situation, we scored a goal.

‘Later on, subconsciously, under the weight of expectations and desire too, we have dropped back and allowed the opponent to come to us, because when you sit back, you are practically inviting the opponent to come to you.

‘This is something which has come subconsciously, not as an instruction, because the instruction was for us to defend with possession.’

With the Soweto derby against arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs fast approaching, Micho admitted that his side will have to improve for Saturday’s clash at the FNB Stadium.

‘Now, we have peace of mind. We have huge, huge critical aspects to look at, but at the same moment, peace, because that injection of motivation needs to tell us, “yes, we are capable.”

‘But we need to improve very, very much looking towards Saturday’s game against Kaizer Chiefs,’ concluded the Pirates coach.

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