‘They have the 12 player in the goals’ – Truter on Pirates’ home ground advantage

Richards Bay coach Brandon Truter has described the Orlando Stadium as a tough place to face Orlando Pirates.

The Natal Rich Boys narrowly lost 1-0 to the Buccaneers on Tuesday evening to leave them in fifth in the Betway Premiership. Pirates, on the other hand, have looked unstoppable in the league, winning all their seven matches so far.

Speaking after the match, Truter said his team found it difficult to play against the Buccaneers thanks to the Orlando crowd.

“First and foremost, the environment (Orlando Stadium) the current Pirates team has made at the fortress,” Truter said.

“They don’t give much away in terms of goals conceded and the supporters as well they get behind the team.

“And they keep on supporting it respect of what and that cheering you hear (from the fans) builds the confidence that drives them (Pirates) forward.

“So, it’s difficult to play and once the opposition player as well they get on their backs as well.”

Truter talks about Orlando Pirates crowd in Orlando

“Mentally it’s tough to stay in the game and then of course any mistakes they get jumped on.

“They have the 12th player in the goals that’s there as well,” he told the media.

Despite his defeat to Pirates, Truter’s Richards Bat are still on track to win a trophy this season. They face Magesi FC in the Carling Knockout Cup this weekend.

Orlando Pirates are three points ahead of rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the league with seven matches played. Although the team has tasted five trophies in the past two years under Jose Riveiro, the Sea Robbers have not lifted the league titles since 2012.

Can Pirates claim the title this season?

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