Pilato hopes to regain top form

CHIPPA LEGODIMO
Correspondent | Friday April 16, 2010 00:00

The player has struggled since his return from injury, which kept him out of action for more than two months. While some have attributed his slump in form to loss of focus because of a reported move to Mochudi Centre Chiefs, Pilato blames his problems on injury.

'I have always been a committed player for Gunners and I would not do anything to sabotage the team. I have been frustrated watching from the stands and I try my best whenever I get the chance,' Pilato said. Since returning from injury, the player has started matches against Jwaneng Comets, Police XI, Killer Giants and Flamengo Santos.  During the January transfer window, there was talk that Pilato was headed to Magosi and Gunners acted quickly to offer him a new contract reported to be financially more rewarding and he stayed.

'It pains me that I have not been able to offer my team much this season and I wish people should stop thinking that I must hit peak form just like that. It takes time to get on top of your game after a lay-off,' he said.  While Pilato was out in the cold, Gunners have been  winning games and South African Aubrey Sithole filled the gap left by the popular player with ease. 'I have been frustrated not being able to contribute to Gunners' cause this season but it would be even more painful if the team was losing. Sithole has been doing a great job filling my boots and after my return from injury, he has kept me on the bench and this has led to the team winning games and it is my consolation.  People might say I am no longer committed but I can assure you I am working hard to regain my old form and my place in the team,' he said. Although Sithole seems to be a better ball distributor than Pilato, he does not show aggression when fighting for the ball.

'We are two different players with some similarities here and there and it is good to have that in the team because he makes me work and I also keep him on his toes.

Soon I will be back to my old form and that will be helpful to the coach.  With the two of us on top form, he would plan better for the opponents knowing that we offer different options,' he said. Although Gunners are already off the championship race, they could still finish second if they continued with their good display.