Orlando Pirates attacking midfielder Kabelo Dlamini says their win over Sekhukhune United came at the right time as they prepare to face Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday.
Bucs showed character as they fought back to claim a well-deserved 2-1 win over Babina Noko in a PSL encounter which was played at the Mecca of South African football, Orlando Stadium on Tuesday.
Brandon Parusnath grabbed a goal to hand Sekhukhune the lead in the first half, but two late goals from Dlamini and Linda Mntambo inspired Pirates to a come-from-behind victory.
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Dlamini revealed the instructions from the Bucs technical team when he was introduced in the second-half along with Terrence Dzvukamanja with the Buccaneers trailing 1-0 at the time.
"It was a difficult game, we tried our best and we pushed really hard. In the first half, we tried and tried [to score]," Dlamini told the club's media department.
"But we missed our chances and they scored with the one chance they got.
"In the second half, the coach put me and Terrence Dzvukamanja in and told us to go out there and shoot and express ourselves when we get a chance."
Dlamini netted Bucs' winning goal with a stunning curling shot from outside the box which beat Sekhukhune's Zambian goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata hands down.
The victory over Sekhukhune ended Pirates' four-match winless run in the PSL and Dlamini insisted that the team has been playing well as they head into the Soweto Derby with a positive mindset.
"We have been playing well, it's just that we have not been able to get the results that we want," the former Bloemfontein Celtic star added.
"Getting this win is important because next, we are playing the Soweto derby, so at least we will go in with a positive mindset."
Pirates leapfrogged Chiefs into sixth place on the league standings following their victory over Sekhukhune and they will be seeking revenge when they face Amakhosi at FNB Stadium.
Amakhosi defeated the Buccaneers in the 2021 Carling Black Label Cup clash at Orlando Stadium as they emerged 4-3 winners on penalties after the high-profile pre-season game ended in a 0-0 draw.