Meshack Motloung

Meshack Motloung

Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates maintain that pride, not money gain, will be more important when they clash in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals at Olympia Park tomorrow night (8pm kickoff).

The two soccer giants meet for the second time in just 10 days and the clash has all the ingredients of a humdinger.

The arch-rivals have made it clear they will go for broke to protect their pride and dignity in what used to be the Soweto derby before Kaizer Chiefs came along.

This game should have fans on the edge of their seats, more so with the two producing top drawer football lately.

Though inconsistent the Birds are lethal, because they never celebrate before the final whistle. Elton Morelato and Ryan Botha, who are usually brought on when the chips are down, combine well up front.

Others to watch are captain Lefa Tsutsulupa, Cecil Oerson and Shaun Haschick whose performances have improved tremendously.

Vastly experienced defender Fabian McCarthy is now match fit and may be in the team. Coach Julio Cesar Leal said McCarthy has improved considerably and that he is one of the best defenders around.

"But our central defenders have redoubled their efforts to retain their position, and we can't change a winning combination."

Pirates seemed to have turned the corner when they beat the Birds.

Their supporters have been loyal to the team, unlike those of Swallows' who need to be dragged back to the club.

Now the onus is on Bucs players to bring back those happy days to The Ghost.

Bucs coach Rudolf Krol said: "Both sides play total football. Although we have some few knocks we're going there with a winning mentality, which is our objective."

He said that using defender Benson Mhlongo in midfield had brought some stability to a team that has been boosted by the return of Teko Modise from suspension.