The Buccaneers entered the new campaign as defending treble champions, although Palacios has already seen his side concede their MTN8 title after being dumped out in the semi-finals.

The Sea Robbers followed up that defeat with another loss, this time going down 3-0 to Soweto rivals Moroka Swallows in the PSL on Saturday, a result which leaves the club eight places off the top of the table.

Palacios, though, is confident the team have the ability to bounce back, and has called for patience from the club's supporters.

"I know our fans are not happy because people are poking fun at them. My message to them is that they must give us a chance and we will make them happy," the Peruvian told The Sowetan.

"We are all disappointed to have lost two successive games; as a coach I hate losing. Our supporters are justified because they are used to winning.

"Pirates are a big club that is used to success. The league campaign is just started; we have to remember that the league is a marathon.

"Pirates are only three points behind the leaders. Our major challenge is that we are not scoring goals, but at the same time we concede silly goals."

He added: "We will be tightening up the defence; we also need a properly coordinated midfield so that we can create more scoring opportunities.

"Our players, not only the strikers, must also be ruthless up front so that we can score goals."