Orlando Pirates are determined to be the last team standing when the final whistle blows to end what is expected to be an exciting final on Saturday between two teams with a rich history in South African football. The Bucs have not won any official trophy in 10 years, winning this one will bring back the happy faces in the Bucs supporters.
On the other hand, despite a poor start in their 2010/11 Absa Premiership campaign, the Dube birds are also hungry for some cup success and they will like nothing more than to beat Pirates and break the hearts of the pirates supporters. Swallows have made their intentions clear from the beginning of this competition by beating SuperSport United and Ajax CT in two closely fought contests.
Bucs coach Ruud Krol will have to make sure that his boys are over their win against Chiefs and focusing on the final. Pirates might shoot themselves in the foot by undermining the Dube Birds. What pirates must know is that Swallows are not going to Durban to lie down and play dead while Pirates runs all over them. Swallows are going to give the Bucs a fight and Pirates must be prepared.
Swallows are a sleeping giant and they are hoping to bring back the respect that they once commanded back in the good old days. Players like Siyabonga Nomvethe, rising star Keegan Ritchie, Gareth Ncaca and experienced goalkeeper Lucky Phillips will be carrying the hopes and dreams of the Dube Birds supporters. A win for them against Pirates will go a long way in returning their supporters back to the stadiums.
Orlando Pirates will be hoping that Andile Jali continues with his brilliant performances in midfield, together with his partner in crime, Isaac Chansa. Unlike Swallows, Pirates boosts a squad of quality and talented players — on Sunday, against Chiefs, it was the speedy Tlou Segolela, skilful Mark Mayambela and Katlego Mashigo who came on in the second half and added bite in the Bucs’ attack. The return of Mashego is an added bonus for Pirates and they will be hoping that he helps with their goal-scoring problems. If Pirates can focus and play their cards right, I don’t see why they can’t beat Moroka Swallows.
Wafa Wafa! Who will be the last team standing?
By Siphiwe Hlongwane
