The 12 draws were our downfall in this title race: Micho

The 12 draws that Orlando Pirates played this season are partly to blame for not winning the Absa Premiership title.

This is the view of the Pirates coach Milutin “Micho” Sredojevic after seeing his side surrendering the league title to defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns who won their record ninth league title in the PSL era following their 1-0 win over the relegated Free State Stars in Goble Park on Saturday.

Pirates also cruised to a 3-0 win over Polokwane City at Orlando, but it was little too late as they finished on 57 points, just two points behind Sundowns. Sredojevic says the 12 draws made the difference.

City brought a largely young team to this game as they didn’t really have anything to fight for with their top five position guaranteed. First choice goalkeeper George Chigova was out on suspension and there was another off the field complication with one of the foreign attackers. Coach Jozef Vukusic reflects on this game.

Despite failing to win the league title, meaning that they’ve now gone five seasons without winning some silverware, Sredojevic who had also finished second last season says there’s some positives that can’t be ignored.

A brace from Thembinkosi Lorch and a wonderful strike from Vincent Pule were enough to secure the maximum points from Pirates in this game.

Bucs will also return to the CAF Champions League next year and this is something which excites the Serbian born coach.

It’s been a season to remember for Polokwane City, despite having lost their last two matches, they fifth spot is their record finish in the PSL with a record number of points (44) recorded.

The Slovakian born Vukusic is proud of what his team has achieved this season. – Report by Velile Mnyandu