Bucs fans urge their heroes on

IRVIN Khoza's pledge to channel his energy into turning his Orlando Pirates into a championship-winning team has generated optimism among the club' supporters.

Having had to endure taunts from rival fans about their lack of silverware, The Ghost believe that now that the Iron Duke is hands-on at The Buccaneers' camp, that will bring them luck.

And prominent supporter Johannes "Mzion" Mofokeng said they would like nothing better than to humiliate Amakhosi and their fans by defeating their traditional rivals in the first leg of the two-legged semifinal of the prized MTN8 on Saturday night.

This Soweto derby takes place at Soccer City Stadium.

The second leg will be played at the same venue in two weeks.

Though Mofokeng sounded confident that their beloved team will resemble a phoenix and rise from the ashes, history will favour Chiefs as the Phefeni side won their last two Cup matches against the Buccaneers in the Telkom Knockout Cup and Telkom Charity Cup.

"We all know that Chiefs have been dominating Cup competitions for a long time but on Saturday that will come to an end," Mofokeng said.

"We are grateful that the Iron Duke will be hands-on this season and that means we will stand a good chance of winning some trophies."

But Chiefs' decorated trophy cabinet was achieved by hard work and sweat and Bucs are in for a tough time.

They will have to negotiate their way past an ambitious and spirited Chiefs side used to winning trophies.

Mofokeng said: "The players that we have signed like Mark Mayambela and Daine Klate will add value to the club and that way our trophy drought will be over."