Orlando Pirates are set to resume their Nedbank Cup campaign in an aim to defend the title when they host the ABC Motsepe League side, Tornado FC on Wednesday night at Orlando Stadium.
Kick-off is at 7:30 pm.
The Buccaneers defeated Bidvest Wits by 3-1 in last year’s final at Moses Mabhida Stadium and they face minnows in their opening Ke Yona last 32 tie.
Should the Sea Robbers successfully defend their title, they’re se to walk away with R7-million from a total purse of R20.3-million, which makes Ke Yona one of the richest cup competitions on the African continent.
However, left-back Thabo Matlaba believes that any young team that plays in important competitions will always be up for the challenge.
“They will want to show that they belong and will try to make it difficult for us, this tournament is like the FA Cup in England where anybody can play anybody and anywhere,” said Matlaba.
“No seeds, no favourites, just names in a bowl and you get what you get - we will have to be at our best so we can start the defence of our trophy on a good note.
“I hope that the fans will come out in numbers to lift the mood at the stadium.
“We want to win and win well so that we can build our confidence for the next round.”
Speaking about the Mdantsane-based side’s coach, it’s none other than the man who scored the winner when Pirates defeated Asec Abidjan in Ivory Coast when they clinched the CAF Champions League in 1995, Jerry Sikhosana.
“I enjoy working with young talent, and I assisted in bringing through a player like Thabo Matlaba, who I found on the dusty streets of Tembisa,” Sikhosana said.
“They (Pirates) are going to sweat, Pirates players are role models for our players. I can see that my boys are excited, but I have to make sure they calm down and focus."
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