Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler has acknowledged that Orlando Pirates are a strong team but noted areas of vulnerability from their away goalless draw against Disciples FC in the CAF Champions League.
Tinkler’s comments come ahead of their crucial MTN8 semi-final first-leg clash, set to take place at the Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday at 19:00.
READ: Cape Town City coach Eric Tinkler confident Amadou Soukouna will close Mayo’s place
Cape Town City secured their spot in the semi-finals by defeating Sekhukhune United with a 1-0 victory, thanks to a decisive goal from Darwin Gonzalez.
The Citizens will be aiming to exploit Pirates’ weaknesses as they look to gain an advantage in the two-legged tie.
“Pirates, playing at home or away, is always a home game (for them), they get massive support, but on a personal note, I’ve always felt that the fuller the stadium – whether your supporters or the opposition’s, it makes you raise your game another level,” Tinkler said.
“So, I don’t think that plays an effect (on the game), I think the fact that still in this competition away goals count. So, it’s very important to keep that clean sheet, especially when playing at home.
“They’ve got so many qualities, they have a massive squad to choose from, their (pre-season) preparations have been exceptional, obviously being able to go to Spain and play against the type of opposition that they’ve played against.
“But we saw them drawing away to a team from Madagascar, so they do have frailties, and we’ve got to go out there with full belief in ourselves, knowing where their strengths lie – they are a very good team on transition, they like to build up and play through the phases.” He concluded.
The Hollywoodbets bookmakers have put these odds for this match.
Cape Town City 5/2 | Draw 22/10 | Orlando Pirates 1/1
All set for #MTN8 action 😤 pic.twitter.com/fNHYEhHyBL
— Cape Town City FC (@CapeTownCityFC) August 20, 2024
