Orlando Pirates midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi has issued a public apology to his club’s supporters and management following his miss against FC Platinum over the weekend.
The Buccaneers were overwhelming favourites to get the better of their Zimbabwean opponents in the CAF Champions League on Friday, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw despite Platinum being reduced to 10 men.
As it happened, Pirates found themselves 2-0 down by the half-time break at Orlando Stadium, the first goals the reigning Zimbabwean champions had scored in Group B. Goals from Thembinkosi Lorch (81st minute) and Augustine Mulenga saw them draw level with three minutes to play.
Then, they got a gilt-edged chance to complete a come-from-behind victory but Mahachi failed to find the net, despite being unmarked inside the box, in the final seconds of the match.
“Firstly, I would like to apologise to the supporters, management and everyone at the club. I got a chance in the last minute, but I was not expecting it,” Mahachi told KickOff.com. “But that’s football, I need to learn from it.”
That Mahachi felt the need to apologise arguably highlights the pressure Pirates players are feeling to deliver success to the club after the celebratory season of their 80th anniversary ended trophy-less. More so, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Lamontville Golden Arrows winger was signed with great expectations and was playing against his Zimbabwean compatriots.
Be that as it may, it is a fact that the whole team’s performance was not up to the standard needed; never mind the expectation of the supporters who desperately want to display a second star above the club badge on their replica jerseys. The draw leaves Milutin Sredojevic’s team needing to beat AC Horoya in their final Group B clash in Conakry if they are to secure second place and progress to the quarterfinals.
“We didn’t start well in the first half but in the second half we showed character [to come back from 2-0 down], so I’m happy for the coaches because they pushed us,” Mahachi added.
“And I think we have a big game on our hands against Horoya now. We need to push again in order for us to qualify [for the knockout stages].”
