Former Orlando Pirates goalkeeper John Tlale feels the Soweto giants need to find a solution for the leaky defence if they are to improve results this season.
The Buccaneers have already conceded 12 goals in seven league matches this campaign, the second worst defensive record in the league.
Tlale also said new Pirates keeper Joris Delle has to shoulder some of the responsibility for letting in some soft goals recently.
Delle came into the team at the expense of Wayne Sandilands but has conceded seven goals in the last two encounters.
Tlale told Goal: “You cannot play attacking football without having a plan to defend once you lose the ball. They have to find a solution for their defence.
“I also believe their goalkeeping department has let them down in their recent matches.
“The team has conceded a couple of soft goals which is bad for the team.
“When a goalkeeper is underperforming it affects the whole team. Their goalkeeping department needs to improve before it is too late.”
Pirates’ next game after the international break will be against Stellenbosch FC on 26 October.