Meshack Motloung
Meshack Motloung
The last time Orlando Pirates' name was engraved on the Charity Cup was in 2001, and that makes the Buccaneers more eager to lift the prestigious season opener for their supporters.
They face Platinum Stars in the first semifinal of the Telkom Charity Cup at Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng tomorrow. Kickoff is at 10am.
The Bucs want nothing less than a win in this one- day extravaganza before an expected big crowd.
Undoubtedly the home side are equally determined to annex this trophy for their fans, who helped them to squeeze through to third place in the four-team competition.
The Tycoons' spokesman, Thamaga Mokgophi, whose side has been a thorn in Pirates' side, was optimistic about lifting this trophy.
He said they have signed on two quality players in Godfrey Sapula and the tough-tackling Mozambican defender, Almiro Lobo.
He said Lobo signed a three-year contract with the Tycoons and is ready to play against Pirates.
"We have retained the same squad as last season and we hope to challenge for the league championship."
They have also promoted five players from their development programme.
Pirates' communications director Mickey Modisane said since he joined Pirates the side has never won this event.
"I'm looking at playing in the final and I'm not going to be shocked by small fries like Stars because we're looking at the bigger picture, which is the final," said Modisane.
He said their coach, Rudi Krol was spoilt for choice because the only injuries are those to Lebohang Mokoena and Lucky Lekgwathi.
Modisane warned Stars that they must not read too much into Bucs' defeat against Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge, because this time they are wounded and will be rampant.
Pirates consist of talented players who could shock a number of teams if not checked. The youngsters remind one of the halcyon days of the South African Soccer League. Players who have been shining include Lindukuhle Mkhwanazi, Thembile Kanono, Bennet Chenene and Senzo Meyiwa in the last line of defence.
bucs owe it to fans
Meshack Motloung
Meshack Motloung
The last time Orlando Pirates' name was engraved on the Charity Cup was in 2001, and that makes the Buccaneers more eager to lift the prestigious season opener for their supporters.
They face Platinum Stars in the first semifinal of the Telkom Charity Cup at Mmabatho Stadium in Mafikeng tomorrow. Kickoff is at 10am.
The Bucs want nothing less than a win in this one- day extravaganza before an expected big crowd.
Undoubtedly the home side are equally determined to annex this trophy for their fans, who helped them to squeeze through to third place in the four-team competition.
The Tycoons' spokesman, Thamaga Mokgophi, whose side has been a thorn in Pirates' side, was optimistic about lifting this trophy.
He said they have signed on two quality players in Godfrey Sapula and the tough-tackling Mozambican defender, Almiro Lobo.
He said Lobo signed a three-year contract with the Tycoons and is ready to play against Pirates.
"We have retained the same squad as last season and we hope to challenge for the league championship."
They have also promoted five players from their development programme.
Pirates' communications director Mickey Modisane said since he joined Pirates the side has never won this event.
"I'm looking at playing in the final and I'm not going to be shocked by small fries like Stars because we're looking at the bigger picture, which is the final," said Modisane.
He said their coach, Rudi Krol was spoilt for choice because the only injuries are those to Lebohang Mokoena and Lucky Lekgwathi.
Modisane warned Stars that they must not read too much into Bucs' defeat against Chiefs in the Vodacom Challenge, because this time they are wounded and will be rampant.
Pirates consist of talented players who could shock a number of teams if not checked. The youngsters remind one of the halcyon days of the South African Soccer League. Players who have been shining include Lindukuhle Mkhwanazi, Thembile Kanono, Bennet Chenene and Senzo Meyiwa in the last line of defence.