No time for Bucs to harp on cup game

Orlando Pirates winger Deon Hotto admits that they had to fight for their victory over Uthongathi FC in the last-32 of the Nedbank Cup at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The GladAfrica Championship side made it tough for the Buccaneers, with the KwaZulu-Natal-based club putting up a solid performance which saw them hold the DStv Premiership outfit goalless in the first half.

The only goal of the match came in the 64th minute from Gabadinho Mhango, the jointtop goalscorer in last season’s Premiership.

“It was a difficult game but we managed to get the result. The pitch condition didn’t allow us to play our game, but we had to just go through with the pain,” said the winger.

The Namibian added that getting the result was made easier by the astute analysis the Pirates backroom staff had done on their unfamiliar opponents before the match.

“That helped us a lot to see where there weaknesses were and areas where they are strong,” added Hotto.

With the spot in the last 16 secured, the Namibian said they had to put the game at the back of their minds, with a league game against Cape Town City coming up tomorrow.

“We are through to the next round, now all focus is back on the league. So, this one is gone, we are already focused on the next match.”

Even if the win over Uthongathi

was unconvincing, Pirates will at least hope it gives them confidence heading into the clash with City.

The Buccaneers’ campaign in the league has been worryingly inconsistent, going into the meeting with City having managed to collect just 25 points from 16 games, which leaves them fifth in the league standings.

The Mother City-based club are just one place down on Bucs, with only two points separating them. Cape Town City, however, have played two games less than Bucs, and have harvested 23 points.

The last encounter between the two sides ended in an entertaining 2-2 draw.

Vincent Pule got a brace for Pirates, while Mduduzi Mdantsane and Abbubaker Mobara got the goals for City.