Hungry Lions coach Henry Basie has explained why he believes his players were affected by the atmosphere at Orlando Stadium, leading to a 4-0 hammering by Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup.
Lions’ Nedbank Cup title ambitions went up in smoke on Saturday evening thanks to goals from Tshegofatso Mabasa (brace) and Monnapule Saleng, while Lions defender Morena Monaheng scored an own goal.
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In addition to an efficient Bucs side, the visitors were also overwhelmed by the opposition supporters in the stands, who ensured to make their voices heard.
Basie admitted that his side was overwhelmed by Pirates supporters.
"Ja, 100%, I think the occasion ran away with them, they were overwhelmed,” the coach conceded during his post-match press conference.
"And I understand, you are playing at Orlando Stadium where the crowd is so close to you. We are trying to coach from the bench and they can’t hear us.
"I mean, we have never experienced this. It’s almost like when they talk about Liverpool. I saw it tonight. We experienced it.
"It’s very tough conditions here, so I think with that said, the boys were a little bit nervous. I mean, some of them have never even had a chance to play or have even seen some of these professional players or PSL players live.
"So, it was something that maybe distracted them, but I think yes, the nerves played a part."
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The Northern Cape side will be aiming to get their season back on track in the Motsepe Foundation Championship when they meet JDR Stars on 3 April.
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