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Orlando Pirates coach Kjell Jonevret insists that his side has to bounce back when they lock horns with Bloemfontein Celtic in an Absa Premiership match at the Dr Molemela Stadium on Wednesday night.Kick-off is at 7:30pm.

It has not been the best of seasons for Pirates and their hopes of a top-eight spot were severely dented following their second successive league defeat when they were beaten 2-0 at home by Mamelodi Sundowns this past weekend.

Currently, the Buccaneers occupy tenth place on the table with 31 points from 27 matches, but a win on Wednesday night could see them jump to eighth place on the log.

Jonevret admits they have struggled in their last two games after losing to Bidvest Wits and then Sundowns, but he is confident his team have what it takes to win their remaining three games.

“We are disappointed with the loss to Sundowns, but we have to be honest and admit we didn’t have the skill to break down their defence. That is something we will work on ahead of the Bloemfontein game,” says Jonevret.

“Against Sundowns we lost the game in the first 20 minutes because we had little respect for them and their aggressiveness. We won’t do the same against Bloemfontein.

“We had two good weeks before the losses to Wits and Sundowns, but we knew those matches would be tough and we can’t be sad now.

“It is a new game against Bloemfontein and we have to bounce back. I think we can win every game, but I think we need to win two more at least and that will give us an opportunity to finish in the top eight.”

Celtic, on the other hand, are just hoping for a win to ensure they stave off relegation this season and end a run of three consecutive draws, their last a 0-0 stalemate against SuperSport United last week.

Currently, the side from Bloemfontein occupy 12th place on the table with 26 points, only three points ahead of the relegation zone.

Speaking ahead of the Pirates clash, Celtic coach Lehlohonolo Seema admits he is wary of a wounded Buccaneers side who are in search of a top-eight spot.

“Pirates are still licking their wounds after their defeat to Sundowns on Sunday and because of that this will be a complex game,” says Seema.

“We need to be cautious of the danger Pirates can cause on attack because losing at home is not an option. If we lose it could cause panic because we are close to the relegation zone.

“The players are rested and ready to grind out a victory. With appropriate technique executed and 120 percent accountability displayed we can beat Pirates.”

In head-to-head stats, Celtic and Pirates have met in 57 league matches since 1985.

The Buccaneers have 29 wins compared to 14 for Phunya Sele Sele, while 14 matches have been drawn.

Celtic have won 10 of their 28 home league matches against Pirates, suffering 10 defeats in the process.

When the teams met earlier this season, Phunya Sele Sele claimed a 2-1 away win in Soweto.

This article was sourced from the PSL website.