BUCS MEET ARROWS EYEING FULL POINTS
Orlando Pirates will welcome Golden Arrows as they want to retain the full three points in the Absa Premiership on Tuesday night at Orlando Stadium.
Kick-off is at 7:30pm.
Fresh from two losses in all competitions, the Soweto giants will have to do everything in their power to return to winning ways.
Coach Milutin Sredojevic has to motivate his men to erase their losses to Polokwane City and Mamelodi Sundowns in the Telkom Knockout and the league respectively.
However, meeting the high-flying Abafana Bes’thende will pose a threat to their mission to bag the maximum points as they want to end their five-match winless run in the league.
Looking at Clinton Larsen’s side, Arrows are also chasing a win to ensure they remain in the top four on the log table.
They have not done well in their previous three matches as far as results are concerned – they lost to Pirates in the TKO Cup, to SuperSport United in the league, but managed a 2-2 draw against Rise and Shine.
The Durban-based side will want to avenge their 1-0 loss in the cup competition and will also hope to consolidate their second spot.
Previous Starting XI:
Orlando Pirates: Sandilands, Van Heerden, Matlaba, Chabalala, Nyauza, Nyatama, Makola, Qalinge, Lorch, Shonga, Gabuza
Golden Arrows: Gumede, Mzava, Dube, Mngwengwe, Bilankulu, Nkombela, Mahachi, Jooste, Sibiya, Magubane, Mutizwa
What the teams are saying:
Orlando Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic:
“This is a process where we need to work really hard to build their confidence and relax in situations they are creating,” said Sredojevic.
“We need to work on this because we have good players but our finishing is not the best. Positioning is 90 percent of the job and 10 percent is converting.
“The boys create chances but then blood comes inside the head and there is a bitter taste, but we have gone to the deepest possible details regarding open play.
“There is a mixed taste inside of me. There is the pride that the players are trying their best – creating but not converting.”
Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen:
“I’ve been very impressed with what I’ve seen of them‚ compared to last season when their build-ups were so laboured‚” Larsen said.
“This time around (against Pirates) there is a lot of energy in the team‚ a lot of inter changing of positions‚ players look a lot more comfortable and seem to be enjoying what they are doing.
“I do think they team has been a bit goal shy‚ like a lot of teams are.
“But in terms of the intent they’ve showed in their attacking game‚ they’ve really been a big threat going forward.
“There are a lot of games that I’ve watched this season that they should have comfortably won had they taken their chances.
“I do think the points they have picked up is a true reflection of how strong this Pirates team is. For me, at the moment, one of the strongest teams in the PSL.”
Key players for Orlando Pirates:
Marc Van Heerden:
The left-footed defender will be a crucial member of the squad on the day. He will be expected to balance his defensive and offensive responsibilities. His ability to strike dangerous and accurate set pieces will be vital for the side.
Musa Nyatama:
Nyatama will be the man tasked with ensuring the team plays. His passing should be on point on the day against a quick and speedy Arrows team. His creativity will also help the hosts.
Key players for Golden Arrows:
Nkosingiphile Gumede:
Gumede will be under scrutiny at Orlando Stadium because he has been conceding easy goals in recent times for the side. He must be disciplined when it comes to commanding the back four to ensure they claim a win.
Kudakwashe Mahachi:
Pirates will be wary of the left-footed Zimbabwean attacker. He is dangerous on the wings and will cause all sorts of problems for the Soweto giants.
