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Ferguson praises Bucs
23/07/2008 07:44 - (SA)
Durban - Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, was full of praise for Orlando Pirates after his Red Devils managed a 1-0 win over a second string Bucs in their second Vodacom Challenge match played at the Kings Park Stadium on Tuesday night.
The United boss said the Buccaneers had improved a lot from the disjointed side that were beaten 4-0 by the mighty Reds in the Challenge series two years ago at the same venue.
Pirates new coach Rudi Krol decided to rest the majority of his first team players and fielded a virtual reserve team against the champions of Europe and England in this annual tournament.
Said Ferguson: "What I saw on Tuesday of Pirates showed me they have improved a lot since we played them in the same event two years ago and beat them easily. Our keeper Ben Foster was forced to make two really good saves in the second half. We were a little lucky not to have conceded a goal."
Krol said he would be making changes to the side for Thursday night (20:10) when the Buccaneers meet their archrivals Kaizer Chiefs in the third match of the series and the playoff for the final. The Soweto Derby winner will earn the right to face United in the sellout final to be staged at Loftus on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:30.
A fired up Chiefs held United 1-1 in the opening Challenge match played at Newlands in Cape Town last Saturday.
Unrepentant
When asked who he would prefer playing in the Challenge final Ferguson was diplomatic. He said: "I am not too worried. Pirates from what I saw tonight were aggressive and had plenty of speed in attack. I think Pirates are now slightly ahead of Chiefs. The gap has closed between the two sides since 2006."
Krol was unrepentant after fielding a weakened side against United saving his best players for the showdown against Amakhosi.
Said Krol afterwards: "I had to juggle my squad around. We were a little nervous at the start but we showed a lot of improvement after halftime. I have to field two competitive teams in the space of three days against top class opposition. That is not easy. Obviously I will be making changes against Chiefs.
"The goal now is to get a second chance to play against a great side like United in Saturday's final. We made mistakes but this was an exhibition match and I have time to fix these mistakes."
To their credit Bucs played bravely against a watered down United that must have left most of the near capacity crowd cold. The match never got out of first gear. But the Pirates reserves showed plenty of promise.
Patience
Bucs' two experienced defenders, skipper Lehlohonolo Seema at centre half and left back Lucas Thwala caught the eye. They controlled Bucs and guided the youngsters.
Ferguson was happy with Foster who saved those second half shots from Tlou Segolela and Happy Jele. He said of the young keeper: "I believe he will soon be the England number one. At 25 Foster has 14 to 15 good years left in the game and if he has patience, then he will become England and Manchester United's first choice."
Ferguson also stressed the importance of players keeping their concentration for 90 minutes. He said: "My younger players did fine for 25 minutes of the first half but after that we lost our way. It was only when I brought on Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes in the second half we regained our shape and concentration. Both Rooney and Scholes focus and concentrate for the entire game. All aspiring players can learn from them in this regard."
But now the centre stage moves to Port Elizabeth on Thursday and it will be the turn of new Buccaneers goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs, defenders Benson Mhlongo, Innocent Mdledle, rising star striker Excellent Walaza, his veteran partner Gilbert Mushangazhike plus another newcomer in midfielder Thulasizwe Mbuyane to shine against a highly charged Chiefs.
- SAPA
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