The Citizen (KZN)

Ex forward is backing Bucs

- Tshepo Ntsoelengo­e

Orlando Pirates’ last two games in the DStv Premiershi­p should be a good morale-booster for them, going into their showdown with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Orlando Stadium today, says former Bucs striker James Mothibi.

The Buccaneers head into this clash having secured backto-back wins against Swallows FC and Chippa United (1-0 and 3-1 respective­ly).

“It’s very clear that the team is in high spirits at the moment, you can’t doubt that. They have done well by beating Swallows and Chippa. And those victories look very convincing from what I saw from the team,” said the former goal-poacher.

“I know it is still in the early stages of the league, but when there is a big game like this one you have to make sure that you get maximum points.”

Pirates have struggled against Sundowns in recent times, with the Tshwane outfit having won four of their last five encounters against the Soweto club.

Mothibi acknowledg­es the dominance the Brazilians have enjoyed over Pirates, but insists that what happened in the past can’t determine the future.

“This is a new game. We must not forget that there are lots of changes that have happened at Pirates. New players, the inclusion of a new coach in Mandla Ncikazi (above) as well. It’s not the Pirates we were used to seeing in the past two to three years,” he added.

“You can even see that the new players have settled in very well and striker Tshegofats­o Mabasa is scoring goals. If he gets the right service, I’m sure he will score a goal or two.”

Pirates host a Sundowns team going for a fifth Premiershi­p title in a row and determined to keep their lead at the top of the log.

Masandawan­a have collected 10 points from four games, while Pirates have eight from the same number of games.

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