Orlando Pirates coach Ruud Krol has defended Teko Modise following a series of below-par performances for both club and country.

The two-time South African footballer of the year has buckled under the pressure of expectations since the FIFA Confederations Cup in June.

But Modise has shown glimpses of his best in recent weeks and Krol believes that the 26-year-old midfielder will regain his form over the coming weeks.

The Buccaneers boss told Football365.co.za: "It happens in football that a top player loses form. Teko needs time to recover his form - and not one day. He played a lot of matches and travelling long distances with the national team."

"But I'm happy that he is slowly regaining his form and people will be happy with him again," Krol added.

After the Soweto derby Krol also told the press that Modise was left isolated in the match far too often.

"Teko did not get enough support in the first half but we improved in the second. He was the best player for two seasons in a row and every player goes through a slump."

Many analysts believe 'Bucs' coach is partly to blame for Modise's current slump because the Dutchman insists on deploying the South African international on the left wing rather than in the player's favoured central role.