Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has expressed his disappointment and frustration following the team’s dramatic loss to Stellenbosch FC. The Buccaneers were leading 2-0 in their last DStv Premiership match of the year, only to concede three goals in the final 20 minutes of the game.
Xoki described this period as a moment of “craziness” and hopes that such a collapse will never happen again. Early in the game, Xoki managed to put the Buccaneers in the lead from the penalty spot, and Evidence Makgopa extended their advantage.
However, Pirates’ players seemed to lose focus, allowing Stellenbosch to mount a comeback. The Maroons scored their first goal in the 69th minute through Iqraam Rayners, and Devin Titus leveled the scoreline. Andre de Jong then sealed the victory for the Carling Black Label Knockout champions.
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For Xoki and his teammates, the defeat was hard to accept, and he hopes that they can quickly forget about this match and come back stronger in the new year. He emphasized the need for accountability and acknowledged that the team’s performance in the second half was not up to par.
“I have no words for this one. It is very disappointing from us, and we have to take accountability for the results and the performance in the second half,” said Xoki. “I think we had a very good first half, but it was a moment of craziness in the last 20 minutes, and they punished us.”
Reflecting on the team’s shortcomings, Xoki highlighted the importance of maintaining focus and intensity throughout the entire match. He acknowledged that at this level of competition, allowing the opposition to dominate and score three goals in a short period is simply unacceptable.
As the year comes to a close, Xoki expressed his hope that the team can bounce back from this defeat and start the new year with renewed determination. He recognized that this loss was not the way they wanted to end the year and that they must learn from such moments.
“Unfortunately, we have to go into the break with a somber mood like this one. But it happens; it’s football, and you learn from such moments. Hopefully, it will never happen again,” Xoki added.
In his heartfelt apology, Xoki extended his regrets to everyone associated with Orlando Pirates, including the supporters, the club, and the technical team. He assured them that the team would pick themselves up from this defeat and work towards improving their performance in the future.
“We apologize to all Orlando Pirates supporters, everyone at the club, the stakeholders, technical team. We will pick ourselves up from this one,” Xoki concluded.
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