Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol has admitted that his players have to pick up the pieces when they host relegation threatened Maritzburg United in a crunch Absa Premiership clash at the Johannesburg Stadium on Wednesday night.

The former Dutch captain and defender will not make wholesale changes despite the fact Pirates were beaten 1-0 by defending champions SuperSport United at the same venue last weekend, a defeat which has dented Bucs title hopes.

The good news for 'Bucs' is the return of magical right wing Dikgang 'Terminator' Mabalane. The speedy winger missed the clash against United through suspension, but will make a huge difference to the side when he reclaims his place on the right flank against Maritzburg.

It was Bucs second defeat at home by a leading championship chasing club. Last month Bucs were beaten by the same margin by log leaders Ajax Cape Town.

Krol, despite looking calm, was far for happy losing another three points at home. "I am happy we will have Mabalane back as he will strengthen the midfield and attack."

The former Dutch international defender admitted 'Bucs' played badly in the first half against SuperSport and need to improve if they are to stay in the chasing pack for league honours.

"We struggled under the wet conditions and slipped all over the place."

Krol is also concerned by the lack of goals from his strikers, especially Gilbert Mushangazhike who was out of the picture against United. 'Bucs' have scored only 13 goals in 14 league fixtures.

Said Krol: "Scoring goals has become a problem, but one we have to work through and get right. Maritzburg will not be easy. They are close to the relegation zone and will give us a big fight."

Maritzburg were beaten 2-1 by Moroka Swallows at Rustenburg's Olympia Park at the weekend and have slipped to second bottom, but coach Gordon Igesund, a former Bucs mentor, will be determined to end his team's slide and keen to put one over his former club.

'Bucs' spokesman Mickey Modisane said fans should not despair. "We know how desperate Maritzburg are and they have Igesund leading them. But we are not out of the league race and need a solid win on Wednesday to put our hopes back on track."

But Modisane also admitted Bucs' defenders must learn how to defend set pieces. He said: "We lost through a set piece to SuperSport. We must tighten up and the coach needs to work out a system where we start scoring more goals."

Sapa

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