Orlando Pirates interim coach Rhulani Mokwena has praised his side’s mental approach during their defeat by Bidvest Wits on Saturday.

The Buccaneers suffered their second loss in the Absa Premiership following their 4-3 defeat by Wits at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

The defeat dropped the Soweto giants down to 10th place in the league standings, with eight points from six matches.

Mokwena believes his side put in a dominant performance, showing real fighting spirit despite the defeat.

‘It was a gallant display from our side – continuously having to come back. We started already on the back foot and you know Bidvest Wits are well coached under those situations,’ Mokwena told the media.

‘But we showed good character and a good performance. Very dominant on the ball and very purposeful in possession. We were disappointed, but part of that disappointment is not to forget the bravery and how gallant the Pirates players were. You need to give credit to the boys for their mentality, but of course we are disappointed we didn’t win the game.’