Leal – We have to increase quality

The Buccaneers qualified for the Final courtesy of a 1-0 victory against Kaizer Chiefs on Thursday, but came unstuck against Spurs two days later at Coca-Cola Park, losing 3-0.

The scoreline was harsh on Pirates, who dominated the first half, but squandered a number of chances, including a second half penalty miss by an otherwise outstanding Tlou Segolela.

Leal was happy with the performance, but bemoaned the missed opportunities.

“We proved in the first half we are in the condition to implement our style against a world-class side,” he says. “Before their goal we had four or five good chances, but when the goal came … emotionally we got tired.

“We tried in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but they scored early and then it became very difficult. We got a chance through the penalty, but we missed and then they scored a third.”

Leal says he was happy with the chance to play another match against an “international side like Tottenham”, especially because of the experience it will give the players ahead of their CAF Champions League campaign.

And he says after the next two weeks he will be in a position to further trim his squad to 28 players, which could include a few new signings.

“We will be playing in four or five competitions this season, so we need to further improve the squad. I want to decrease in quantity, but increase in quality,” Leal says.