Itumeleng Khune may be the country's best goalkeeper, but he says he needs protection.

The Kaizer Chiefs keeper failed to block Oupa Manyisa's shot in the 107th minute in extra time on Saturday night - a goal that helped Pirates defend their MTN8 title.

An hour after the match, which ended 30 minutes before midnight, he took to Twitter to accept blame, but when the responses became critical and personal, Khune became defiant.

"Hate on me, it's OK," he tweeted. "You are making me stronger. I am used to people like you."

The Bafana goalie said: "Those who are criticising me must know that I am not Kaizer Chiefs, but a player at Kaizer Chiefs. I can only do so much and I need protection as well."

In an interview after the game, Khune said he had expected his teammates to close down Manyisa before the Pirates man took the shot. The powerful strike bounced before Khune could reach it and push it out safely.

One man who had no need for excuses was Pirates coach Julio Leal.

The Brazilian said that Pirates' four trophies in 11 months had convinced him the Buccaneers could dominate in South African football again this season.

After retaining the Top8 title (their fourth trophy) on Saturday night, Leal said Bucs now had the "true blood of champions".

Leal said the win had helped to persuade him that Pirates could hold on to all their crowns this season. Apart from the Top8, they also won the league and the cup. In the league they are sixth on the log after three matches.

"I don't feel any pressure because I can see there's commitment from the Pirates staff and the players," said Leal.

"The Top8 win is more special to me because I did nothing for two years. Now on my return to football we win the first cup final of the season."

Last year Pirates were coached by former Dutch international Ruud Krol, who had been with the club for three years. But already the players appear to relate better to Leal. There is a better understanding with the soft-spoken Brazilian.

Leal said that "with a little bit of patience" he could push the players to give a little more. This would be necessary for the next league match on Wednesday against Santos at Orlando stadium.

On Saturday, Pirates play Chiefs for the fourth time this season. At least Leal will have back striker Benni McCarthy, who was suspended for two matches. Chief coach Vladimir Vermezovic said his team had made some "terrible mistakes" in Saturday night's final.

"It is hard to take the defeat ... But the show must go on."

Chiefs, who top the Premier League table with three wins out of three, are away to Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday.