Orlando Pirates head into Saturday’s Carling Knockout Cup final at the Peter Mokaba Stadium brimming with belief that this is finally the year they break their long-standing jinx in the competition. Many within the Buccaneers camp have vowed to “go all out” against Gallants, a side that has often troubled them, as they look to change perceptions about their struggles in this cup. Pirates last lifted the trophy in 2011, when it was still known as the Telkom Knockout, and are eager to add another title to their cabinet.
Bucs captain Nkosinathi Sibisi said this week that the team’s hunger has only intensified following their MTN8 success earlier this season. “For a while now we always run against the wall in this competition and we also feel we are always unlucky,” said the Durban-born defender. But the fact that we want to change that unlucky to pure luck keeps us strong and that hunger to win keeps us strong.
“It is also a motivation on its own because we want to rewrite new history books about the Carling Knockout.” Sibisi acknowledged that Gallants will provide a stern test, but insisted the team is fully focused on the task at hand. “They are a good side and we can’t play it down that it won’t be easy to deal with them.” Another player expected to play a key role in the final is the in-form Oswin Appollis, who has been one of Pirates’ standout performers this season. Appollis echoed the captain’s sentiments, emphasising the team’s shared drive to bring more silverware to the club.
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