ORLANDO Pirates need to pick up the pieces when they meet Moroka Swallows in their Absa Premier Soccer League Soweto derby at the Orlando Stadium tomorrow, otherwise their title hopes could be wrecked.

Bucs are still licking their wounds after they were mauled 2-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns at the Super Stadium on Wednesday. “But,” said spokesman Mickey Modisane, “we need to show our professional mentality and bounce back.

“Tactically, Sundowns were better. Their coach (Hristo Stoitchkov) did his homework on us and well done to them as they beat us hands down.”

Bucs, with 27 points, are nine points adrift of leaders and defending champions SuperSport United. But Modisane said Bucs would regroup and coach Ruud Krol would rectify the mistakes made against Downs.

Weekend fixtures:

Tomorrow: 3.30pm SuperSport United v Bloem Celtic, Platinum Stars v Golden Arrows, Black Aces v Jomo Cosmos, Free State Stars v Mamelodi Sundowns, 8.15pm Orlando Pirates v Moroka Swallows, Santos v Ajax Cape Town

Sunday: 3.30pm AmaZulu v Maritzburg Utd, Bidvest Wits v Kaizer Chiefs. – Sapa