Orlando Pirates intend turning Ellis Park back into the once-feared ”House of Pain” when they host Mamelodi Sundowns in one of the most important Absa Premiership matches of the season on Wednesday night.
Kick-off is at 7.30pm.
That was the promise from The Buccaneers’ hard-working skipper, Lehohonolo Seema, on the eve of a clash that could eliminate the loser from the title race as only one point separates the two rivals. The big-spending Brazilians have 37 points and Bucs 36. Both clubs realise a draw will not help anybody but leaders SuperSport United, who have 43 points and face a tricky clash against relegation-haunted Bloemfontein Celtic at the Super Stadium on Wednesday (7.30pm).
Said Seema: ”It will be a tight tactical battle. We know we are up against the dream team assembled at Sundowns. Any coach would love to have the star names Sundowns have at their disposal. This motivates me and my players and we aim to knock them out of the league race, or at least dent their hopes and boost our chances.
”If we win, we will keep up with SuperSport and we also have a game in hand which will come in useful as the season reaches its climax.”
The Lesotho international defender and captain said he was not too worried about the Downs strike force he will have to mark. ”We have the best defensive record in the [Premier Soccer League]. I respect Downs, but we are not going to worry about individuals. We must go out and do our jobs and try to keep a clean sheet and hope our strikers get the goals to keep our title hopes alive.”
Downs have tons of talent and an experienced international coach in Henri Michel. The danger men for Bucs will be the live-wire Bafana attacking midfielder Surprise Moriri, Sibusiso Zuma if he is fit, Katlego Mphela, Collins Mbesuma and former Buccaneer favourite, Benedict Vilakazi, who has battled to settle down this season with Downs after an unsuccessful spell in Denmark where he got little game time.
But Seema is not only banking on his players to rise to the occasion as he expects Bucs’ 12th man to boost the players. ”Our fans have been brilliant and playing at Ellis Park, we hope they will come in big numbers and help us make sure the stadium lives up to its reputation as the House of Pain.”
One of the best buys Pirates management made was signing speedy right wing Dikgang Mabalane from relegated Jomo Cosmos at the start of the season. Mabalane has been outstanding and could be the match winner on Wednesday.
The diminutive winger stressed the league race is wide open. Said Mabalane: ”Every team is dropping points and that is why the championship race is still up for grabs. But to stay in it we have to beat Sundowns. We are not thinking about a point or losing — that is not on our agenda. It is win or bust and we know it. Sundowns must feel the same way and that augers well for a really good game.
”I have been happy at Pirates and enjoy working with the strikers. My job will be to supply quality crosses to make sure we hit the target as often as possible. The players are all psyched up for the clash and we will be going all out to take advantage of home ground and our fans.”
Kaizer Chiefs, who virtually fell out of the race for the title when they lost 3-0 against SuperSport at the weekend, will be playing for pride when they meet Golden Arrows at the Chatsworth Stadium in their Wednesday fixture (3.30pm). — Sapa