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ZIMBABWE international forward Kuda Mahachi piled the pressure on under-fire Orlando Pirates coach Eric Tinkler by scoring the opening goals as Golden Arrows defeated the Soweto giants 2-0 in an ABSA Premiership match on Wednesday night.

The diminutive winger, deemed excess baggage by Mamelodi Sundowns’ gaffer Pitso Mosimane, has found a new lease of life at Arrows.

He has not only been impressive but has also been scoring goals with some eye-catching performances.

And, on Wednesday, he continued that good run with a goal, just after the break, to push his side into the lead.

In the 52nd minute Arrows took the lead courtesy of a low shot from the edge of the box by the impressive Mahachi.

Pirates took control of the game after that and began mounting pressure on the Arrows goal, but their defence held firm for the most part.

In the 83rd minute Arrows made certain of the three points with a rare foray forward that concluded with Gladwin Shitolo driving the ball home from 16-yards out.

Pirates coach Tinkler said he is disappointed in calls for his sacking but understands fans frustrations at the team’s current league form.

With just five points from the first 21 available, a challenge for the league title already looks over.

“I’m disappointed at the chants for me to go but I understand because the fans don’t just support this team, they live it,” Tinkler told reporters.

“This is more than a club, it’s a lifestyle. We all understand that. I don’t like the chants. But I understand”

Tinkler has guided Pirates to the final of the African Confederation Cup where they will face Etoile du Sahel over two legs later this month.

He admits that could be a distraction for the players.

“The guys are professional. They have to put in the work and motivate themselves. But CAF could be a distraction at the moment.”

Despite the defeat, Tinkler says the performance of the team was good, they simply failed to convert their chances.

“I’m disappointed with the result but not entirely with the performance. We should have been 4-0 up at half-time. I don’t know why we can’t find the back of the net at home. We create 10 goal scoring chances but we don’t put them in the net

“I can’t fault the players. I can’t say the team was poor. When a team is poor they don’t create chances to win the game.”

Next up for Pirates is a Soweto Derby in the league against Kaizer Chiefs tomorrow. Defeat there could take him to the brink. — Sports Reporter/Mzansi Football.