Orlando Pirates midfielder Ben Motshwari has urged his side to come back stronger after a goalless draw with Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium on Tuesday.

The Soweto giants were forced to settle for a point against the Brazilians and have now climbed the Absa Premiership table up to third place, with 41 points after 24 matches played so far this season.

However, Motshwari, who was named man of the match, admits Pirates struggled in the first half but found their rhythm in the second stanza to dominate proceedings.

‘First of all, I just want to thank the Almighty, it was a difficult one today. We have not played in five months and they already had glimpses of playing against Bidvest Wits,’ Motshwari told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘So for us, it was a bit of a challenge, especially in the first half trying to get that momentum going. But I think in the second half, we tried to change our formation and started to get the ball rolling.

‘We created so many chances and I think we should have scored one tonight, but we’ll take a draw even though we’re not satisfied.

‘For me it was a great feeling, considering that I was sick again, coming back strong as I am now … I’m very excited and I just want to push and help the team get maximum points in each and every game.’

Orlando Pirates will be back in action when they take on Bidvest Wits at Ellis Park on Saturday, with kick-off set for 6pm.