HOW BUCS CAN

TKO

BUCS MUST SCORE FIRST

Baroka have really been impeccable against the so-called big guns in this year’s edition of the Telkom Knockout but they are yet to come from behind in any of their matches. They swept aside Golden Arrows 2-0 in the first round, got the better of Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 in the quarter-finals and defeated Wits 1-0 in the semi-finals. So Pirates must strive to score first so that Baroka will be forced to chase the game.

COOL HEADS

Baroka will be appearing in their first final while Pirates have been in many. Players like Happy Jele, Ben Motshwari, Xola Mlambo, Asavela Mbekile, Mpho Makola and Siyabonga Mpontshane have been to finals before. They will be key in terms of handling the pressure that comes with being in a cup final. Pirates are playing well but they haven’t won anything since 2014. If Baroka score first, Pirates fans are likely to run out of patience and start rolling fingers, signalling to the coach to make substitutions. You need players who can handle the pressure. Jele, Mbekile and Mlambo can do that.

SET-PLAYS

Pirates were lethal and ruthless in their previous encounters against Light Stars of Seychelles at set-plays. Makola and Justin Shonga netted two brilliant free-kicks against the Islanders last week in the CAF Champions League. Vincent Pule is another one of those who can score from free-kicks. So Baroka must refrain from committing unnecessary fouls around the box. Jele and Marshall Munetsi will also cause problems for Baroka in the air at corners and free-kicks. This might be their best way of scoring against a resolute Baroka defence.

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NG TECHNICAL TEAM