Xoki: Polokwane City like a ‘wounded animal’

After securing their spot in the next round of the Nedbank Cup, Orlando Pirates will be aiming for their first three points of the year in the DStv Premiership against Polokwane City at the Peter Mokaba Stadium today (kick-off 3.30pm).

Pirates began their second-round league campaign with a 1-1 draw against log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns two weeks ago at Loftus Versfeld.

Following the Downs match, the Buccaneers switched their focus to the Nedbank Cup, where they claimed a 6-0 victory over SAFA Regional League club Crystal Lake FC at Mbombela Stadium last Saturday.

The Buccaneers might have played against a lower-division side in their opening round of the Ke Yona Cup, but it was a huge morale-booster for them going into their clash with Rise and Shine.

Pirates will be coming up against a Polokwane City side who were knocked-out of the Nedbank Cup following a 3-2 defeat against Richards Bay FC.

But, the Limpopo-based outfit recorded a win in the league, beating Moroka Swallows FC 1-0 away from home before the tie against the Natal Rich Boyz.

Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki (below) is expecting Polokwane City to come hard at them after losing their last match.

But, he says the Buccaneers are looking to get back to winning ways in the league, having not won their last three league fixtures.

“We know it’s not going to be an easy game. They are coming off a loss in their last game (against Richards Bay), so they are a wounded animal.

They have the advantage of playing at home as well. All we need to do is to go there with a positive mindset,’’ said the Bucs defender.

“We are really determined to get our league campaign going, having not won the past three league games. We must get back on track. Winning against Crystal Lake has really boosted our confidence and we hope we can translate that form to the league.”

The Sea Robbers are fifth in the league standings with 26 points after 17 games, whereas Rise and Shine are ninth, on 24 points from as many games.