Orlando Pirates had lost three games in a row in three different tournaments and conceded three goals, one in each game without scoring.
Then in the MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, Bucs failed to score again. This time they produced a clean sheet before winning the penalty shootout 3-1 after extra time.
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One should say their defending improved, though critics can still point out that television replays arguably proved Sundowns should have had a penalty that the referee missed in the first half of extra time.
Despite all the drama in Durban, former Bucs player Bruce Ramokgadi is critical of Pirates' defending and transfer decisions. Talking to Soccer Laduma in an exclusive interview, Ramokgadi believes the club can turn their form around by improving on their backline.
"I know it's still too early but this is too much for a club like Orlando Pirates. We haven't lost like this before and it's painful to everyone associated with the club," Ramokgadi told the Siya crew.
"I think the technical team has to look at the problems we are facing right now. And from my point of view our main problem is the centre back and striking departments I feel.
"It seems our centre backs are not confident enough. We need a centre back or centre backs who will bring back the confidence in our defence and the team as a whole.
"Then improve our striking force. I can't still understand why we loaned out Tshegofatso Mabasa. He is experienced and he is scoring goals. We need a striker like him at the moment.
"And finally, why are some players not playing? They are all Orlando Pirates players and they should be given the same opportunity to represent the team. Maybe if everyone is given a chance then things could change for the better," Ramokgadi concluded.
Soon after the Siya crew spoke to Ramokgadi, Pirates went on to defend their MTN8 cup title, so that was perhaps the tonic the team needed to rebuild their confidence. After the international break, Bucs take on Polokwane City in the PSL on October 27.
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