Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret admits that his side lacked the skills to penetrate Mamelodi Sundowns defence after suffering a 2-0 defeat on Sunday.

The Buccaneers fell to their eighth defeat at the Orlando Stadium against the Brazilians through goals by Khama Billiat and Krahire Zakri.

Pirates have now dropped to 10th place in the Absa Premiership standings with 31 points, a week after breaking into the top eight, having won six out of 27 matches played so far this season.

Jonevret admits that his side lacked the quality and composure to break down a defence of Sundowns calibre, but he insists that his side will be hoping to return to the top eight when they play Celtic.

‘I think we lost this one in the first 20 [minutes]. It looked like we had a little [too much] respect [for Sundowns]. They were very aggressive, we let them play. It was a [soft] goal [and Sundowns] had the momentum after that,’ Jonevret told SuperSport.

‘The last part of the first half was okay: we created three, four really good chances and maybe we should have a goal there, and then we [could have] gone in and talk at half-time about how we should turn this around.

‘But then we go out [in the second half] and… I haven’t seen that goal [replay] but it looked a little bit stupid to me, but I have to see it [the replay] first.

‘I think we don’t have the skills right now to break down a defence like this [Sundowns’] – ok, we created three, four chances, but we [didn’t manage more] than that.

‘We will look for more, of course.’

Orlando Pirates will be hoping to bounce back when they take on Bloemfontein Celtic in the Absa Premiership clash on Wednesday.

The match at the Dr Molemela Stadium kicks off at 19:30.