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Bucs vow to take Ajax down

VETERAN: Ajax goalie Hans Vonk. © Unknown.
VETERAN: Ajax goalie Hans Vonk. © Unknown.

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Ramatsiyi Moholoa

Orlando Pirates are on a mission to bring Ajax Cape Town to their knees when they meet in an Absa Premiership match at Johannesburg Stadium tomorrow.

The 3.30pm match, which has all the ingredients of a thrill-a-minute clash, has been described by Bucs coach Owen da Gama as a big test for his charges.

Ajax, under the watchful eye of Craig Rosslee, are perched at the top of the log with 24 points from 11 games. They dropped valuable points after a 1-1 draw with struggling Platinum Stars at Mmabatho Stadium last Sunday.

Pirates moved to fourth spot after a well-deserved 3-1 win over Thanda Royal Zulu at the same venue on the same day.

Da Gama said: "Ajax have assembled a youthful team that has been doing well this season, they have lost only one match in the league.

"It is a big test for us, it will give us a clear picture if we are well on track in terms of our plans of putting together a well-oiled team.

"Our plan is to win all the four remaining games, including the one on Saturday against Ajax, to finish well inside the top eight bracket."

However, Ajax's assistant coach Wilfred "Silver Fox" Mugeyi said they were coming to Jozi to embarrass Pirates in their own back yard.

"We are coming there to take the three points. Everybody has been threatening to beat us but we always come out tops."

Pirates will play two warm-up games today against a foreign invitation side based in Yeoville and Vodacom League side Yebo Yes.

"We have organised two games because we want to give everyone a chance to play, including those who came back from injuries this week," said Da Gama.

Those who started training this week include Tico Tico Bucuane, Ralph Matema, Lucas Thwala, Lehlohonolo Seema and Kelebogile Mabe. With Excellent Walaza, Bennet Chenene and Paulos Masehe in great form, Ajax goalie Hans Vonk will have to be alert to avoid any embarrassment.

The Urban Warriors also have exciting players like Clifford "Robot" Ngobeni, Nathan Paulse and Bryce Moon capable of tearing Bucs to pieces if underestimated.

Meanwhile, Da Gama said he is looking at getting getting four new players during the transfer window period next month.

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