Sekhukhune United aim to end Orlando Pirates’ cup dominance in Carling Knockout clash

Sekhukhune United coach Papi Zothwane says his team will not approach Saturday’s Carling Knockout quarter-final against Orlando Pirates with fear, despite losing all three meetings between the sides this season.

The match kicks off at 3 pm at the Orlando Amstel Arena, where Pirates have established an imposing record. They have won 10 of their 11 matches at the venue in all competitions, with the only exception coming in the MTN8 final, when they were the designated home side but played at Moses Mabhida Stadium.

Pirates have already beaten Babina Noko once in the Betway Premiership and twice across the two legs of their MTN8 semi-final. Sekhukhune must therefore overcome both their recent head-to-head record and the pressure of facing one of the country’s most in-form teams on home soil.

Zothwane, however, believes his players can handle the atmosphere generated by the Pirates supporters and remain focused on reaching the semi-finals.

“Every game we’ve played, the plan is to always be better than the other team, but we know it’s hard at the [Orlando Amstel] Arena because of the crowd,” he said at the Carling Knockout press conference.

“The intimidation will always be there because Pirates supporters believe no one comes out of there, but as coaches we prepare our teams mentally to know what’s at stake because they know what awaits them in the next round if they win at Orlando.”

The Sekhukhune coach said confidence would be central to his side’s hopes of producing an upset. He insisted there would be no place for apprehension when facing either Pirates or Mamelodi Sundowns.

“We’re very confident because there’s no coach that approaches a game with Pirates or Sundowns with fear,” Zothwane added. “We have to be confident in our approach and our players, and I believe our players are capable of winning that match.”

Sekhukhune’s previous encounters with Pirates have also given them a clear indication that changes will be required if they are to secure a different outcome.

Zothwane said his team would adjust its tactics while preserving the consistency it has shown in recent matches.

“It can’t be played the same way. We have to change a bit. We still want to keep the consistency of the team because we feel that in the past six games the team has done very well,” he said.

Pirates will have the benefit of home support and a formidable record at the Orlando Amstel Arena. For Sekhukhune, the tie offers a chance to reverse their season’s results against the Buccaneers and claim a place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.