Orlando Pirates’ 12-match unbeaten run was brought to an abrupt halt when SuperSport United snatched a 1-0 win over the Buccaneers in the Nedbank Cup, but how will they react to this?
Much has been said about the team being a mentally weak squad, and that was particularly evident when the team was headed up by Vladimir Vermezovic.
The Serbian coach created a rather unsettled atmosphere at the club, but since Eric Tinkler took over, a new and improved look has graced the Sea Robbers.
Tinkler’s first game in charge may have been a Soweto Derby defeat to Chiefs, but since then the club has been impressively stable.
Their run was so incredible that they managed to go 12 games unbeaten, showing confidence, hunger and determination in the way they played.
However, what we don’t know is how they will react to falling out of the Nedbank Cup – the trophy they were hoping to defend successfully – and how it will impact the team.
They could hit a slight blip when the international break comes to an end, but they could very well bounce back stronger than ever.
Whatever the reaction, it will say a lot about Tinkler. Many have conveyed their lack of confidence in him, but if his team puts together another string of results following the elimination, that interpretation of him could change.
Ghosts, what are your thoughts on the matter?
