Appollis calls for improvement after Pirates' 1-0 MTN8 semi-final win

Orlando Pirates beat Sekhukhune United 1-0 in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday, but Oswin Appollis believes the defending champions must improve. Deon Hotto scored the only goal at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium.

The victory gives Pirates a narrow advantage before the return fixture against Sekhukhune at the Orlando Amstel Arena. The Buccaneers must protect that lead to reach the final and remain on course for a record fifth successive MTN8 title.

Appollis described the match as difficult and said the short preparation period would require the team to assess what went wrong. Pirates and Sekhukhune are due to meet two more times, meaning the sides could play three matches within a week.

The attacker has not been at his best after a demanding run of club and international commitments. He nevertheless stressed the importance of taking the first-leg victory before attention turns to the next two meetings with Babina Noko.

Pirates will have the advantage of playing the second leg at home, where Appollis said the support of their fans would be significant. The team now has two days to prepare and identify the areas that need correcting.

Hotto’s goal kept Pirates ahead in the tie, but the one-goal margin leaves the semi-final open. A place in the final would put the holders one step away from extending their MTN8 dominance, while Sekhukhune will aim to overturn the deficit in the return match.