Orlando Pirates are desperate for their first Absa Premiership win of the season, but face an early-season test of character when they meet Premiership rookies Bay United in Port Elizabeth on Sunday. Kick-off is at 3.30pm.
It will be United’s first official home match of the season and, like their more fancied opponents, they have only collected a single point from their two league fixtures played so far.
Said Buccaneers spokesperson Mickey Modisane: ”That is the big challenge for us — to beat Bay united at home in their first ever Premier Soccer League match played in front of their own fans. We realise that despite Bay United’s shaky start to the season, this could be a tough game for us. We know Bay United have potentially a lot of supporters in the Port Elizabeth region, but so do we and we need to mobilise them.”
The last time Bucs played at the EPRU Stadium was during the Vodacom Challenge in July, where they were beaten 2-0 by their arch-enemies, Kaizer Chiefs.
But the good news for Bucs coach Ruud Krol is that in July he was still assessing his players after taking charge of Pirates in June. Now he has had time to sort out the good from the not so good and is planning the way forward.
Krol is unlikely to panic after a shock 2-1 away loss to Golden Arrows and a 0-0 home draw against a fired-up BidVest Wits.
Bucs showed a big improvement against the Students and if Krol gets his striking combination right, the United defence could be in for a busy afternoon.
Said Modisane: ”We have struggled to score in the opening few matches, but we have started to lay a new platform by playing a number of friendlies where we have scored a lot of goals, which has added much-needed confidence in front of goal.”
Striker Excellent Walaza’s position will be challenged by the new signing from Cape Verde, Adriano, who has formed a new partnership with winger Dikgang Mabalane, who also recently joined the Pirates’ ship.
Said Modisane: ”Both Mabalane and Adriano have looked sharp when they combined in recent friendly games. Mabalane could be a surprise inclusion.” The other strikers who are starting to look sharp are Rudzani Ramudzuli and Lebo Mokoena.
The good news from the Bucs camp is that they are injury free. Krol welcomes the return to duty of defenders Lucas Thwala and Happy Jele, who will be fighting to regain their places in Krol’s starting line-up.
United could find themselves against the wall should the Buccaneers get an early breakthrough. They are short on confidence after an opening day 1-1 away draw against Moroka Swallows and a crushing 3-0 loss to Santos in their last fixture.
”But,” said Modisane ”those results are water under the bridge. We expect that with the home crowd behind them they will try and lift their game. We will be ready and are up for the challenge.” — Sapa