Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic asserts that the Buccaneers ‘played like lions in a human shape’, despite their Telkom Knockout defeat to Baroka.

The Buccaneers failed to end their four-year wait for silverware after suffering a 3-2 defeat in a penalty shootout at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in the final on Saturday.

The win saw Bakgaga clinch the Telkom Knockout title and claim their maiden major cup in the club’s history.

Sredojevic admits that he was disappointed to have lost on penalties, but insists that his side will fix their mistakes heading into their next fixture.

‘It’s very unfortunate that we lost on penalties‚’ Sredojevic told the media.

‘But something that is very important in life is not about how hard you have been hit‚ but how strong you are to stand up.’

The Pirates mentor added that his side will bounce back as they still have a chance to clinch the PSL, Caf Champions League and Nedbank Cup.

‘We are moving on and we already have a match against Free State Stars in the league on Tuesday (at Goble Park) and that serves as a bridge for our Champions League match on Saturday (against Namibia’s African Stars).

‘We need to pick up the pieces and it’s unfortunate‚ but my players played like lions in a human shape and gave everything on the field of play,’ he added.

‘Football didn’t pay us back (for the effort)‚ but I strongly believe, and knowing our supporters‚ that they would recognise the effort.’

Orlando Pirates will be hoping to bounce back when they take on Free State Stars in the Absa Premiership when the two sides square off at Goble Park on Tuesday, with kick-off set for 7:30pm.

Photo: Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix