Kruger United ‘pumped’ for bid to shock high-flying Orlando Pirates

Elasto Kapowezha says Kruger United’s players understand the importance of producing a positive result when they face defending champions Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership on Tuesday.

The two teams meet at Mbombela Stadium, where Kruger United will continue their search for a first win since gaining promotion to the top flight. Sporting director Kapowezha believes the fixture offers his squad both an opportunity to challenge one of the division’s leading sides and a chance for individual players to attract attention.

The former footballer acknowledged that Orlando Pirates present a formidable opponent, but insisted Kruger United must remain focused on carrying out their own plan rather than simply trying to contain the visitors.

“Obviously, when you go to play a match, you need to win it. But at the same time, you’ve got to look at where you are, and you’ve got to look at the opponent,” says Kapowezha, speaking to KickOff.

“At times, you might say a positive result will do us a world of good. We just have to make sure we stick to our plan. We’re not planning to come out of this match empty-handed.”

Kruger United go into the match after a performance against Durban City that Kapowezha felt deserved more than the outcome his side received. He said the players had drawn confidence from the way they played in that encounter and were now determined to produce a strong display against Orlando Pirates.

“If you look at our last game against Durban City, it felt like we actually drew or even won that game, just from the way the team played. Tonight, the players know they must go there and get a good result against Pirates.

“They are motivated to be playing the defending champions.”

For Kapowezha, the occasion is also a valuable stage for the club’s players to demonstrate their ability. A meeting with one of the country’s biggest teams is likely to attract widespread attention, making it an opportunity for individuals to make an impression.

“It’s one of those games where you know the players are going to raise their game; they know what they need to do. That’s what the Betway Premiership is all about. If you get a platform like tonight’s one, you need to make sure you raise your hand and get noticed.

“This game is going to be watched by the masses. I have seen them at training; they are pumped up for this game,” adds Kapowezha.

Kruger United will therefore attempt to end their wait for a first league victory by claiming a result against an Orlando Pirates side described as being in excellent form.

Kick-off is at 19:30.