Siwelele FC head coach Lehlohonolo Seema says they need to go to Orlando Stadium and play without fear, saying their poor record in the Carling Knockout means nothing due to their current run of form.
Pirates have won seven consecutive games, without conceding a single goal in all competitions which includes the MTN8 title triumph over Stellenbosch.
They also beat Siwelele in Bloemfontein with a stunning strike from Oswin Appollis ahead of their meeting at eSgodini this weekend in the first round of the domestic cup competition.
“It won’t be easy against an in-form Pirates, a team doing well continentally and in the domestic league – we have to make sure we have the same fight and effort we showed in the last two games,” Seema said.
“We’re a team improving in every game, especially with the new recruitments, that bolstered the team, we know Pirates at Orlando Stadium is not easy to play but we’re preparing well and contributing a lot to this country.
“Three of our starters are in the U20 national team but we still continuing, playing, showing good signs, but it doesn’t make it easier, but we’ll go out there and fight.”
New Pirates head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou came under major pressure after losing his opening two league games as the successor to Jose Riveiro but has now found his feet with an impressive run of form – which the former Buccaneers captain attributes to a quality squad of players and finding a back four that he ranks amongst the best in the league.
“You’re only as good as your last games, and they’re an in-form team, you’re right, there’s always a different vibe in cup competitions, but if we go there [to Orlando] and say we know they haven’t done in this cup, we will be making a big mistake,” he explained.
“On current form, we’re looking at that, they are doing very well and we will need to put our best foot forward in Orlando. Pirates is a team that always doing well, they have so much quality – there’s not much more you can say – the scouting system is doing a good job, the players they bring in, they fit into the style of play.
“We expect that speed, combinations if you allow them to play, they use width very well and on the right you will find speed, on the left you will get width but players coming into half spaces, coming inside for shots on goal.
“The two centre-backs, it’s the strongest in the league, so they are making a difference, so they can go forward with fluidity, knowing defensively, that is where I can say there’s a huge change that has happened this season and everyone can score goals at Pirates. Not just Rele, Sebelelebe, Makgopa, Mabasa, there’s Moremi – you have to focus on yourself, guard yourself and play without fear.”
