Ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder Helman Mkhalele expects the team to continue their fine run when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday.

The Buccaneers and the Brazilians meet in a Nedbank Cup quarterfinal at Lucas Moripe Stadium (8.15pm).

Former Pirates winger Mkhalele believes that Eric Tinkler's boys have something that was missing in their game until now - confidence. "The way I look at Pirates now is that there is confidence in each and every player," said the man nicknamed Midnight Express.

"I look at the speed they are using when they are attacking, and when I look at Sundowns I think they are fatigued because of all the travelling and playing so many games in a short space of time.

"If Pirates can use the speed, especially in the attacking third, I see them winning," Mkhalele predicted.

Matthew Booth, who played for Sundowns during his career, acknowledges that Pirates are a different side now and he, too, believes they stand a chance.

"Well, if you asked me this question two months ago, I would have said Sundowns easily," Booth said.

"Eric and the team have done a fantastic job in climbing their way up the ladder.

"Obviously, that has been spearheaded by Tendai Ndoro and he's been critical to their success. And the likes of Mpho Makola, I think he's been an unsung hero in that team. He's been fantastic," Booth said.

"This is a clash of the two best teams when it comes to form, and it can go either way. I think from an attacking point of view, Sundowns still have a slight edge with Leonardo Castro, Khama Billiat and Keagan Dolly.

"But I think the midfield of Pirates has been very industrious and they have the edge over Sundowns' midfield."

Sundowns did the double over Pirates in the league this season.