All out attack Pirates versus cagey SuperSport

FORMER captains Lucky Lekgwathi and Ricardo Katza, give insight on tonight’s Nedbank Cup final between SuperSport United and Orlando Pirates at Moses Mabhida Stadium (Kick-off 8.15pm, SS1/SS Select SA/SABC1).

Former Orlando Pirates captain, Lucky Lekgwathi: “Stuart Baxter is very good with transition play and Pirates need to be watchful of that. That’s what made him a big success during his stint at Kaizer Chiefs. He knows how to park the bus and catch his opponents on a counter when they least expect it.

I spoke to Oupa Manyisa leading up to one of their friendly matches, as they prepare for tonight, and told him they really need to win this one for our fans.

“Back in 2013/14 we went through a bad patch. We lost in three cup finals (2013 Caf Champions League, Telkom Knockout and the MTN8), and those results served as a motivation for us to do well in our last game of the season against Bidvest Wits in the Nedbank Cup final. We beat them 3-1.

“These players need to remind themselves of that campaign. A win would see them redeeming themselves in what has been a very tough season for them. I’m expecting Pirates to go all out on attack while being extra vigilant at the back.

“Past experiences, especially against Baxter, has taught them to never lose their shape at the back each time they attack. And I trust that Pirates fans will be forgiving should they win this tie.”

Former SuperSport United captain, Ricardo Katza: “It’s an open secret that the coach (Stuart Baxter) wants to leave on a high, with this serving as his last game.

“A win against a side they beat in last season’s Nedbank Cup final would see us become the first team to defend this trophy for the first time in years. This is a chance for the lads to make history for the club and themselves. Then again, it will depend on how bad they want it.

“SuperSport need to be watchful that Pirates will approach this tie like a wounded tiger. They’ve been in a situation where they’ve had to fight for a positive outcome after having endured a very bad season. They’ll be driven for a win this time around as well, especially after what happened in their encounter against SuperSport midseason (Pirates lost 6-1 in a league tie).

“They know how to do that. I’m expecting Baxter to play the patient game like he normally does, while waiting for a perfect opportunity to pounce on those scoring opportunities they’ll create. I’m team SuperSport, but this is one encounter I cannot come out and boldly declare that we are going to win. It’s going to be tough. Both sides want it.”