EC side insist they can overthrow giants
IT WILL be a case of David versus Goliath when E C Bees take on Soweto giants Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup last 32.
Bees got one of the toughest matches of the last 32 round when they were drawn against Bucs. Luckily, the provincial soccer powerhouse will not have to travel to Soweto for their game. The PSL will confirm the venues and dates of the fixtures at a later stage.
But team manager Zama Nene is hopeful they will take the high profile game to Mdantsane’s Sisa Dukashe Stadium.
Speaking to Saturday Dispatch from the O R Tambo International Airport yesterday, Nene said she was shocked but excited about Thursday night’s draw.
She promised that the ABC Motsepe log leaders will not roll over and play dead but give the former African champions a run for their money.
So will Bees sting and emulate F C Baroka’s feat of defeating a PSL team?
Only time will tell, but the undefeated ABC Motsepe log leaders will be hoping to carry the third tier form into the Pirates encounter.
“Yes, we will respect them like any other team but these little monkeys will be very mischievous on the field. We will be troublemakers on the pitch come match day.
“We want to create nice chaos on the field,” she said.
“I don’t want to say we will be giant killers and end up swallowing my words but Pirates will know what we are made of.”
Making the game against Pirates sweeter is the fact that this is the second year in a row that the Bees have qualified for the R7-million prize money spectacle.
The Bhisho outfit has achieved this in just three years of their existence.
By qualifying for the last 32, Bees have already been guaranteed R100 000. But the team will be aiming to pull what will be one of the major upsets in South African soccer by beating the Sea Robbers.
Pirates spokeswoman Thandi Morake said because Bees were a closed book to them, that will make them difficult opponents.
“The fact that they have qualified for the last 32 means they are a formidable side and we have nothing but respect for them.
“We won’t be taking them lightly. We have to play well or else they will knock us out,” she said.
“We just have to prepare well and play our game. We can’t afford to be complacent.”
With Eastern Cape residents rallying behind the team, Nene believes they can get the better of Pirates.
While the venues for the games have not been confirmed, Sisa Dukashe is a firm favourite for the clash.
The field meets PSL standards as Chippa United will be playing three of their home games in the second biggest township this year.
“Obviously, the Bhisho Stadium is out of the question because it does not meet PSL standards. Sisa Dukashe is good for us.
“We can’t be taking such a massive game to PE. That will not be fair. I hope, wish and pray that the game will be in Mdantsane.
“Let’s give the boys all the support because we want to fly the Eastern Cape flag high,” Nene said.
Having the 12th man will not guarantee a win for Bees. So, what will it take?
“I told the boys that they must just give 150%. Pirates must see that we do have talent in the Eastern Cape.
“They can’t come here and be all macho just because they are from Johannesburg and think we can’t play soccer,” charged Nene.
The game will also be a good advertisement for the ABC Motsepe League and afford the players an opportunity to impress NFD and PSL teams who might be watching with keen interest.