Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic believes his side were perfect in the first half against Baroka but the effects of playing three matches in seven days almost cost them the points.

The Buccaneers, who threw away a 2-0 half-time lead to draw 2-2 with Cape Town City in their midweek clash, risked a similar result when Bakgaga pulled a goal back with 10 minutes to play.

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This time, however, the Sea Robbers held on for the much-needed victory to take the vital three points.

Speaking after the game to SuperSport TV, Sredojevic admitted that his side’s fatigue was to blame for their poor second-half showings against both City and Baroka.

‘Perfect first half. We were leading 2-0, exactly what we have said going into the lead at half-time. We did not want to put the pressure on the boys by telling them what happened in the last match.

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‘We were looking forward to the second half but it looks like we have paid an expensive bill of playing a third match in seven days. When you consider that and conceding a goal [towards the end], we had some nervy moments.

‘We need to look critically at how to manage that situation and how not to bring us to a nervy last few minutes.

‘We know you know how to play football, but can you get the result? Challenge yourself [in the] second half, try to be better than the first half, improve and respect that ball. We didn’t respect that ball and we conceded that goal. However, three points we shall pick, and we’ll criticise behind closed doors,’ concluded the Serbian tactician.

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