Jonevret compares Pirates to Wits: ‘Of course‚ you have to be honest‚ Orlando Pirates is not a top team right now’

Kjell Jonevret has said again that Orlando Pirates have problems in their squad in key areas‚ comparing his side’s depth to that of Absa Premiership second-placed title challengers Bidvest Wits

Pirates’ new coach admitted that a team as strong as Bucs should never be as dire as they were relying on a 94th-minute equaliser by Issa Sarr for a 1-1 draw against last-placed Baroka at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday‚ where Bucs’ defence often opened alarmingly.

Jonevret said if the Buccaneers beat Chippa United at Orlando on Saturday night (8.15pm) they can at least consider themselves to have had a good week‚ having also won against Bloemfontein Celtic in extra time of a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal on the past weekend.

But the coach said that Pirates have deep-rooted problems in their make-up of their squad‚ hinting at too much quantity and not enough quality‚ which he said he cannot resolve this season.

“Of course‚ you have to be honest‚ Orlando Pirates is not a top team right now‚” Jonevret said – some statement to be made at a club that does not always tolerate self-criticism lightly.

He continued: “I was looking at Bidvest‚ for example‚ yesterday (on Tuesday against SuperSport United)‚ and they have five‚ six‚ seven‚ eight‚ quality players on the bench and even outside.

“So of course we don't have the same squad. But‚ I mean‚ we should play better then this at least. And then we have to take care of what happens later.

“That’s going to happen in the winter (off-season) break. And maybe we’re going to see what happens. But right now‚ maybe we’re not a top team and we shouldn't fight about medals but we should at least be better than what we were (against Baroka).

“There’s a lot of talent within the group but it’s also ... I think you see how it looks‚ but I don’t want to criticise in the media.

“But of course we have some problems in a few positions.”

Jonevret appeared frustrated that his players did not play to instruction against Baroka.

“We talked about being more direct. But we tried to play small‚ small passes around the box‚ or in our own half or in the middle – you can't play football like that‚” the coach said.

“But the positive thing with games like this is that – or maybe I have to force them – the players get to watch the game again. And then I know that we are going to be better on Saturday.

“In the end it was a point‚ and we can continue what we have been trying to build on.

“And I know people talk about (Abbubaker) Mobara and that he is a better full-back or centreback‚ but in games like this you can see he is really important to our game.

“Although I have to say‚ it was the first start I gave to (Gladwin) Shitolo‚ and maybe him and (Thabo) Rakhale were the most positive players.

“But‚ yes‚ there we are struggling in that area‚ to get players up into the opposition half.”

Suspended Mobara was replaced by Shitolo in central midfield against Baroka.

Chippa have placed coach Dan Malesela on leave with the intention of terminating his contract after nine league games without a win. Assistant Mbuyiselo Sambu will be on their bench.