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04 February 2020
The wait for some silverware success has been long for South African football giants Orlando Pirates, but there is hope within the Soweto club that their upturn in fortunes in 2020 will lead to Nedbank Cup glory. Pirates have overcome a poor first half of the season to emerge as arguably the form side at the start of the second, claiming six wins and a draw in their seven matches under new German coach Josef Zinnbauer. Whereas before they struggled to find the back of the net, now they are
free-scoring, and they will hope their rocket-like jump up the Premier League table is matched by a run to the Nedbank Cup final in May. Indeed, the last time The Buccaneers lifted a trophy was the 2014 Nedbank Cup when they defeated BidVest Wits 3-1 in the final in Durban. Is it, perhaps, then a good omen that they face Wits in the Last 32 of this year's competition on Sunday.
"Wits are a very big and good team. They have big players, who are experienced. We have to work hard in order to win this game. But the chance is there [to advance to the next stage]," Zinnbauer said. "We have a good sense of self-confidence, so we'll continue with the same things that we’ve been doing. And, I am happy that we'll have this game. It's a cup game that we’ll treat like a final." Zinnbauer must do without red-hot striker Gabadinho Mhango, who will serve a one-game suspension after collecting four yellow cards this season. For a player who has already scored 15 goals in 19 appearances for Pirates this season, that is a massive blow. Mhango will miss out on the chance to face his former employers after moving to Pirates from Wits at the start of the season.
Zinnbauer hopes fans will come out to support his side, who could not have done
much more to lift the mood around the club and so deserve their support. "Since we are playing at home, I "We need this, and when we hear the support and I think that we get more productive on the field."
Pirates were also Nedbank Cup champions in 2011 when they defeated Black Leopards 3-1 in the final. They lost to SuperSport United in both the 2016 and 2017 deciders as well. Tickets for the Nedbank Cup Last 32 are on sale at TicketPro outlets and selected SASOL garages countrywide. Prices will start at R40 for adults, and R15 for children under the age of 12. Supporters can also purchase tickets online at www.ticketpros.co.za.
*The views represented are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent those of Nedbank.