ORLANDO Pirates skipper Benson Mhlongo expects Platinum Stars to be hard nuts to crack in their Absa Premiership contest at the Orlando Stadium tonight. Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

ORLANDO Pirates skipper Benson Mhlongo expects Platinum Stars to be hard nuts to crack in their Absa Premiership contest at the Orlando Stadium tonight. Kickoff is at 7.30pm.

"Stars are a good side with a clever coach and it will not be easy against them. I saw their match against Chiefs and they were unfortunate not to have won so we have to be on our guard against them throughout the match," Mhlongo told Sowetan yesterday. "We owe it to our supporters to do well this season because they always come in big numbers to support us."

Mhlongo's opposite number at the Tycoons, Stanley "Bingo" Kgatla, said tonight's match will give them an opportunity to redeem themselves after their defeat at the hands of Chiefs.

"It is going to be difficult playing against a quality side like Pirates, but I can promise you now that we are going to leave Orlando with three points in the bag. We badly need the three points after our loss to Chiefs last week," he said.

"Pirates have been playing some fantastic football. They are brilliant going forward, but we've seen some weaknesses which we'll try to take advantage of.

Pirates are confident after going six games without conceding a goal. Currently leading the pack, they have been careful to avoid premature talk of league victory, but they know they stand a good chance of being crowned champions.