Orlando Pirates have only one goal left this season and that is the big prize — the Absa Premiership.
The second-placed Buccaneers have six matches to dethrone leaders and defending champions SuperSport United to win their first league title since 2003.
They travel to the Free State capital on Sunday (3pm) where they come up against relegation-haunted Bloemfontein Celtic in a match doubling up as the official fixture to reopen the new-look Free State Stadium, which was upgraded to be used for the Confederations Cup, starting in June, and next year´s World Cup finals.
They also plan to avenge their 2-1 loss to Celtic in the second round of the Nedbank Cup in Potchefstroom last weekend.
That defeat was a blessing in disguise for Bucs coach Ruud Krol, who is now free to focus all his energy on winning the league. On the other hand, it is also a mixed blessing for Celtic coach Owen da Gama, who finds himself with his back to the wall trying to keep the popular Phunya Sele-Sele in the top flight next season. He also has to worry about the team’s upcoming away quarterfinal clash against giant killers Pretoria University.
Said Bucs spokesperson Mickey Modisane: ”We want revenge for the Cup defeat. But more importantly, we need three points to keep the pressure on SuperSport at the top of the league.
”Celtic showed by beating us in the Cup they can play and are a good side that should not be fighting relegation. But that is their problem. We will show them no sympathy or mercy. We want to hurt them where it hurts most and that is in their own backyard.”
A win for Pirates would see them close the gap on SuperSport to three points. United, who play Kampala City Council at Milpark in an African Champions League, second round, second leg tie, have 49 points with second-placed Bucs on 43 with a match in hand.
Said Modisane: ”The players know how vital this match in hand [against Celtic] is. Every player is pumped up. The title race is getting tense and we mean to show Pirates mean business and aim to end the season with the title in our hands.”
Krol has been keeping his players on their toes during the Fifa break and is looking forward to getting his three Bafana Bafana stars, Katlego Mashego, defender Lucas Thwala and midfield magician Teko Modise, back injury free after Tuesday´s friendly international against Portugal in Switzerland.
The good news for Bucs and their fans is ace striker Mashego returns to lead the Bucs attack after serving a one-match ban by missing the Cup defeat against Celtic. But the bad news is Pirates’ hard-working skipper, defender Lehlohonolo Seema, injured his hamstring against his old club Celtic and will miss Sunday´s clash.
Explained Modisane: ”It is a huge boost having Mashego available, but a big blow losing Seema and his experience. But fortunately we have depth in defence.”
Krol is hoping the three Bafana stars return energised and ready to play their socks off against Celtic.
Modisane also stressed the importance of Bucs fans turning out in large numbers wearing their colours. ”Celtic fans are famous for the way the support their side. I encourage and appeal to all our fans in the Free State to pack the stadium and make sure we and not Celtic have the 12th man in the stands.” — Sapa