Arrows, Pirates in tricky cup ties

DSTV Premiership sides Orlando Pirates and Golden Arrows will head into their Nedbank Cup last 32 fixtures this weekend looking to avoid upsets against teams playing in the lower divisions.

The Buccaneers will begin their search for a ninth Nedbank Cup crown when they take on All Stars at the Wits Stadium today in an 8pm kick-off.

The Sea Robbers, although inconsistent in league competition, have already secured a piece of silverware with the MTN8 and will have great confidence ahead of their first clash against lowly opponents.

SuperSport United have already lost to ABC Motsepe League side Dondol Stars in the opening round, a clear sign of the danger the so-called ‘unknown’ teams possess in this competition.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro will be expected to make a host of changes to his usual starting line-up but their strength in depth ensures they are still favourites to advance to the next round.

All Stars will not be pushovers, having started the year off in fine form. The First Division outfit, now based in Joburg, have won four, drawn two and lost one of their seven matches in all competitions this year and will be a formidable foe. The club was known as Cape Town All Stars before it relocated to Gauteng.

Abafana Bes’thende, on the other hand, have been struggling to cope with a long list of injuries and loss of form from a few of their key players.

Arrows co-coach Vusumuzi Vilakazi has spoken about their recent struggles and how they will look to approach their Nedbank Cup encounter to restore their reputation.

Arrows are forced to make changes to their usual starting side because of the unavailability of several players, and Vilakazi hopes the replacements will provide enough quality to overcome Pretoria Callies.

First Division outfit Callies are involved in a relegation battle and are only momentarily out of the danger zone on goal difference.

Another DStv Premiership club is destined to fall when Stellenbosch host Swallows at the Athlone Stadium while ABC Motsepe League campaigners Mpheni Home Defenders and Clarewood JPM FC will also fight for a spot in the last 16.