Orlando Pirates skipper Lehlohonono Seema was delighted when the media made his side the underdogs in the quarterfinals of the Telkom Knockout against their Soweto arch-rivals, Moroka Swallows.
A rejuvenated Pirates overcame the underdog tag to defeat the Birds 3-2 at Olympia Park on the weekend.
But now the Buccaneers find themselves as favourites when they play Bloemfontein Celtic in the semifinals of the competition at Durban’s Chatsworth Stadium on November 29 at 8.15pm.
In the other semifinal draw made in Johannesburg on Monday, Free State Stars will meet Ajax Cape Town at East London’s Absa Stadium on November 30 at 3pm.
Seema was delighted to have drawn a plum semifinal against his old club.
Said the Lesotho international defender: ”It is a great draw for Pirates. We really enjoyed being underdogs against Swallows but that changes against Celtic, who are struggling a bit in the league, but have done well to get to the semifinals of the Knockout. They are not a small team and cannot be underestimated.”
Seema said after a rocky start to the season, Bucs are coming good under their new coach, Ruud Krol. ”I know Celtic will be a tough side to beat. But we are starting to gain confidence under our new coach. There is still plenty room for improvement. And there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Seema stated it was important for Pirates not to concede goals, and explained: ”We need to keep it tight at the back. Against Free State Stars we let the game slip four minutes into injury time and had to settle for a1-1 draw. But we know if we do not concede goals in the cup, then that enhances your chances of winning. What I am pleased about is our confidence is back and that was further boosted by our win over Swallows.
”We are looking forward to getting to the final and winning the trophy.”
Celtic captain John Maduka had no complaints with the draw, but admitted he was worried by the fact Phunya Sele Sele have yet to win a league game this season.
The veteran Malawian international star explained his side have done well in the Knockout because the pressure was off his players in cup games.
Said Maduka: ”We go all out in the cup and did well to beat SuperSport United, the league champions, in the quarterfinals away from home. That is because we are prepared to gamble in the Cup but not in the league.”
Maduka said the reason for Celtic’s slow start to the league was because of new players and a new coach in Mich D’Avray. ”We had to get used to the new boys in the team and it has taken a while for us to learn new tactics from the new coach. But the cup run has been brilliant and I believe this will help us turn the corner and help get our league season back on track.”
After SuperSport in the last round, Maduka said he welcomes playing Pirates in the semifinals. ”Pirates are a big club and we enjoy playing them. The venue will suit us and we will be up for the challenge.” — Sapa