Bucs wary of Jomo after United scare
ORLANDO Pirates will have learned from last weekend’s scare against Maritzburg United not to take relegationthreatened teams lightly, as they prepare to face secondlast-placed Jomo Cosmos in tomorrow’s Absa Premiership fixture at Olen Park.
The Bucs travel to Potchefstroom on the back of taking part in perhaps the game of the season so far, but also one where they were forced to come back from 3-0 down for a 3-3 draw against fired-up, last-placed Maritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal on Saturday.
Now Bucs face the team of former son and most famous product Jomo Sono, with the ex-midfield legend spewing fighting talk about his side not being relegation candidates.
Centre-back Tshepo Gumede said Pirates had a timely reminder against Maritzburg how dangerous teams with their backs to the wall can be.
“For Cosmos, it’s more like surviving. But then looking at us – you can also say we’re not in the best of positions,” Gumede said.
Pirates have shown resilience despite being unconvincing since their return from the Christmas break and are unbeaten in 2016. A tough 1-1 draw against Platinum Stars was followed by a 2-0 win against Pretoria University, both at Orlando Stadium, before Bucs travelled to Pietermaritzburg.
Gumede’s inclusion next to Ayanda Gcaba at centre-back has brought increased pace to an ageing Bucs back-four.
“We know what we have in our squad, and that it’s not always about pace. If you’re able to read the game it becomes easier,” the defender said.
Sono’s fighting talk comes despite his team’s continued struggles at the start of this year. Cosmos have managed two wins this season, both at Olen Park, against Polokwane City and Chippa United. Wits v Polokwane City, Bidvest Stadium, 8pm FS Stars v Celtic, Goble Park, 3.30pm; Cosmos v Pirates, Olen Park, 6pm; Sundowns v SuperSport, Lucas Moripe, 8.15pm Chiefs v Platinum Stars, Cape Town Stadium, 3.30pm; AmaTuks v Aces, Loftus, 3.30pm; Chippa v Ajax, Buffalo Park, 3.30pm.