Orlando Pirates enjoying a stellar season, having topped their CAF Champions League group to secure a place in the knockout rounds.
Their latest continental triumph came with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Egyptian giants Al Ahly. However, in their most recent league outing, they fell to a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Cape Town City, led by Muhsin Ertugral.
Royal AM, in contrast, are struggling both on and off the pitch. Currently second from bottom in the league standings with just 8 points from 11 games, they are grappling with rumors of unpaid salaries. Their woes deepened with a 3-1 home loss to TS Galaxy, leaving them with only one win this season.
Despite their challenges, Thwihli Thwahla General Manager Richard Makhoba insists they are prepared for a competitive clash against the in-form Bucs.
He told KickOff: “I think it will be a tough game. We want to congratulate Pirates for their good run in the CAF Champions League. We expect a very exciting match. It’s not going to be easy.
“They are the team of the moment, but we are willing to go out there and fight. We are going to give our best shot and 90 minutes will decide the outcome of the match.”
Far from being happy with his side’s form, Pirates boss Jose Riveiro intends to strengthen his squad this January.
He said in the Sunday World: “The standard answer to the issue of transfers is that we have a fantastic group of players in terms of quality, talent and numbers, as everybody knows.
“But all the big teams, and we are one of them, have the responsibility and obligation to keep one eye on the market all the time, every time there is an opportunity.
“So, if it is not in this transfer window, it’s going to be in the next one [June]. But the club is obviously always trying to strengthen the team. It’s currently the transfer period now, and let’s see what will happen for all of us.”
