Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer says he was impressed with his side’s performance during their 4-1 victory over Polokwane City in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers moved up to fifth place in the league standings with 24 points from 16 games played, following their victory at the Peter Mokaba Stadium through a hat-trick from Gabadinho Mhango and a goal from Ben Motshwari.

However, Zinnbauer admits his side slowed the tempo of their game in the second half just like they did in their previous league encounter with Bloemfontein Celtic.

‘This is the football we want to see. But we had two halves. We had the first and second half. The first was very good and the second not so good. But I understand a little bit the players, they had two games in three days,’ Zinnbauer told SuperSport TV after the game.

‘We have next weekend a very big game. But I hope the players understand me when I get tomorrow to comment on the second half.

‘First, we need a little bit time. We are improving the team a little bit at the moment. And then, maybe the players [thought] we have four goals, we [can] go a little bit back and not so many steps.

‘Then the opponent came because they have nothing to lose, then it’s not so easy to come back in the game. That’s the thing.’

Orlando Pirates will be hoping to continue their current form when they welcome Mamelodi Sundowns to the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 7:30pm.