Orlando Pirates are using their Absa Premiership clash against AmaZulu at Durban’s Chatsworth Stadium on Wednesday night as a warm-up for their do-or-die Soweto Derby against arch rivals Kaizer chiefs at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers badly need to bounce back with a win over struggling Usuthu after the 3-0 hammering that 10-man SuperSport United dished out to them last Wednesday that saw them drop off the top of the table to be replaced by champions United.
Said Bucs spokesman Mickey Modisane: ”It was tough losing to SuperSport as we did not play well that night. But it is neither the end of the world, nor the end of our plans to clinch the league title.
”There are still a lot of matches still to be played and AmaZulu gives us the chance to put things right ahead of the Soweto Derby on Saturday afternoon.”
Modisane added that the pressure will have eased on his players after they were toppled by United. ”Every team wants to be on top of the league, but for us losing that position might be a blessing in disguise and takes the pressure off the players.”
The pressure may be off the players but it is mounting on head coach Ruud Krol who has a mountain to climb, having lost two and drawn two of Bucs last four matches with his goal-shy strikers having scored only one goal in those last four matches — in the 1-1 home draw against BidVest Wits at the Orlando Stadium.
They drew 0-0 away to Free State Stars and were beaten 1-0 at the Orlando Stadium by Santos before they were humbled by SuperSport.
Bucs have scored only nine goals in 11 matches, which is not good enough for a side who wants to be considered potential champions.
The former Dutch defender and captain persists with fielding a tired Teko Modise who has been overworked by both Bucs and Bafana Bafana and needs a rest if he is not to suffer burn out.
The good news is the Buccaneers are injury free and welcome the return from a lengthy spell in the treatment room of midfielders Thulasizwe Mbuyane and Andile Jali.
AmaZulu, under coach Neil Tovey, are desperate for points. They have picked up a mere nine from 11 matches so far and are second bottom of the 16-team Premiership.
However, Pirates cannot afford to go into the Soweto Derby on the back of three successive defeats and go to Durban guns blazing.
Modisane is confident Pirates will show character against Usuthu and urged his fans to buy tickets for the Derby early.
”If you do not have a ticket, don´t bother going to the stadium on Saturday as this game is going to be sold out soon.”
Modisane also said he was confident that the PSL would be able to manage the crowd.
The refurbished Orlando Stadium can hold only 37 000 and double that number, especially in the heart of Soweto, would be keen on watching those two giants in action.
”But,” said Modisane, ”the stadium is not big enough but we have to accept it and that means the organisers must exert tight control and make sure there is plenty of security in an around the stadium perimeter.” — Sapa