Orlando Pirates kick off their Carling Knockout Cup campaign at home to struggling Cape Town Spurs on Friday.
Orlando Pirates vs Cape Town Spurs
Carling Knockout Cup
Friday, 20 October – 19:30
Orlando Pirates
While the Buccaneers have already claimed the MTN8 this season, with a penalty shootout win over Mamelodi Sundowns, Spurs are yet to win a game.
Both are in a similar position in the DStv Premiership though, with Spurs bottom of the standings with zero points, while Pirates are third from bottom with seven points.
But while the Cape-based side are fighting on just one front, their opponents this weekend have played significantly more games, having also been involved in the CAF Champions League, ahead of a second preliminary round exit.
Spurs, who most recently lost 2-1 to SuperSport United ahead of the international break, have a new man at the helm after Shaun Bartlett’s dismissal, with Technical Director Sean Connor taking temporary charge of the team, with Vasili Manousakis his assistant.
19 - Orlando Pirates have progressed to the League Cup (Rothmans/Coke/TKO) quarter-final stage 19 times. No team has done so on more occasions in the PSL era (Chiefs also 19). Matchday. #CarlingKnockout pic.twitter.com/8N6MRej9iO
— OptaJabu (@OptaJabu) October 20, 2023
Bucs’ last encounter was their MTN8 final, and ahead of yet another knockout match, head Jose Riveiro said his side won’t hold back in search of victory.
He said on IOL: “I think we should always differentiate between the one cup competition to the other. For our opponents, it’s a new opportunity in a different competition – probably without the pressure to be fighting for the three points, which makes them more dangerous.
“Everybody is expecting us to perform at a certain level and the only thing that makes us change between the games is how tight the schedule is.
“Regarding this game, there is nothing really special. We are looking for our best starting XI – as good as possible, to try and give continuity again.
“We come from a cup final with a good performance, so want to continue from there.”
Manousakis added on his club’s website: “We really looking forward to the Carling Cup match tomorrow night, the boys are amped.
“They’re ready and looking forward to the new competition, a very innovative one from the PSL
“It gives the boys an opportunity to go out in a new competition, they aim is to get through to the next round.
“We know they are cup specialists having recently won the MTN8, its never easy going to Orlando to play but we’re confident, we’ve been working really hard. We had some good time in the FIFA break to tweak a couple of things and instil some new principles of play.”
Bucs have a few injury concerns, with captain Innocent Maela and striker Zakhele Lepasa still receiving treatment, while Spurs continue to make do without injured on-loan Bucs striker Boitumelo Radiopane.
Verdict: Orlando Pirates 9/20
The Sea Robbers will be too strong for Spurs in this one. The visitors will come here under some pressure to turn their season around after a horrible start under Shaun Bartlett.
With a new man on the helm, they are still only rebuilding while Bucs have gelled together and are fresh off lifting the MTN8 trophy.
