adminOrlando Pirates will hope to make it two wins in a row when they face Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs for the second time in a week for their Telkom Knockout semi-final clash at FNB Stadium today. Kick-off is at 3pm.
The match comes after last weekend’s bitter affair in the Absa Premiership when Eric Tinkler’s men outplayed Amakhosi, winning 3-1 at the same venue.
This weekend’s encounter has to produce a winner as it’s a Cup game.
Both teams went on to bag victories in their midweek matches.
The Sea Robbers are flying high in confidence having won 2-1 against Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday night.
In the TKO cup, Pirates are doing well having defeated University of Pretoria and Maritzburg United to reach the last four stage.
Tinkler will hope to see his charges continuing with their five-star performance in the Cup and beat Steve Komphela’s men.
Amakhosi will have to rectify their errors and look to bounce back to claim a win as they’d also like to get a trophy this season, having lost the MTN8 Cup final in September.
Before reaching this stage of the tournament, the Glamour Boys have demolished Platinum Stars and Mpumalanga Black Aces in the tournament.
In their most recent match they bagged a win, thumping Lamontville Golden Arrows 3-1.
Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune who was outstanding in the league against the Buccaneers last weekend will be expected to bring his safe hands once again to deny Pirates a victory this time around.
Speaking ahead of the match, midfielder Thabo Rakhale said it will be a tough match.
“I’m looking forward to facing Kaizer Chiefs again. It’s going to be a tough game considering the fact that we just beat them,” said Rakhale.
“The first derby is water under the bridge. It’s going to be a tough game and the better team will win on the day. We try by all means to be consistent and we’re playing well.
“Our squad has been changing week in, week out. Everybody in our team deserves a chance to play.”
Speaking for Amakhosi, skipper Siphiwe Tshabalala said the goals will come as long as they are creating opportunities.
“The defeat from Saturday left a bitter taste in our mouths. It’s not about revenge this weekend,” said Tshabalala.
“We ‘ve to acknowledge the fact that Pirates were the better side last Saturday. They showed hunger, but we produced a great result against Arrows.
“It’s not nice to lose to Pirates especially in that manner. We showed character after the setback against Pirates. It’s a long journey, there’ll be obstacles. We want to do well for our supporters.” — SuperSport
Online Reporter