Orlando Pirates coach Josef Zinnbauer refused to be critical of his defence following a dismal showing in the 4-1 demolition by Mamelodi Sundowns in the Nedbank Cup on Thursday night.
Pirates' central defence duo Happy Jele and Thulani Hlatshwayo struggled in their battle with ex-Highlands Park striker Peter Shalulile, coming off worst on a number of occasions.
The Namibian was a constant nuisance to Bucs' backline and opened the scoring for Sundowns, was involved in the build-up of the second goal, and assisted the fourth goal, leading to doubts to the resoluteness of the Pirates defence.
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But Zinnbauer refused to be critical of his backline, instead, he showered the Brazilians with praise.