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Amatuks bringing the pros

New players, Itumeleng Nkwana, Botshelo Mfulwane, Steve Barker (Coach), Denver Mukamba, Vuyisile and Sfiso Namande during the University of Pretoria season and kit launch. Picture Credit: Gallo Images
New players, Itumeleng Nkwana, Botshelo Mfulwane, Steve Barker (Coach), Denver Mukamba, Vuyisile and Sfiso Namande during the University of Pretoria season and kit launch. Picture Credit: Gallo Images

It says something for the relative stature of their clubs that Orlando Pirates and Pretoria University will take differing approaches in tomorrow's MultiChoice Diski Challenge reserve league quarterfinal at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban.

The reserve side of Soweto giants Pirates, coached by Augusto Palacios, are taking the game seriously, having been training since August 4 and played five friendlies. For their young players, the quarterfinal match is an opportunity to push for a place in the glamour club's first team.

AmaTuks, coached by first team assistant Sly Mosala, view their Diski Challenge matches purely as preparation for their Premier League side, and will field fringe senior players in preparation for their PSL return against Chippa United on February 10.

"We're taking three under-20 players. The rest of the squad consists of full professional players," Mosala said.

"The match is preparation for the first team's return to the PSL, and another group will be playing this weekend with coach Sammy [Troughton] in a friendly against Polokwane City."

On Sunday, Mamelodi Sundowns, whose reserve side can resemble a PSL team, meet the MDC's top scorers with 16 goals, Polokwane City.

Group A winners Bloemfontein Celtic face Mpumalanga Black Aces in the early game.

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