MOROKA Swallows captain Lefa Tsutsulupa said they are not intimidated by Orlando Pirates’ good performance in both cup competitions and league matches.
The dread-locked Swallows captain was speaking after the beautiful Birds were drawn against the mighty Buccaneers in the quarter-finals of the Telkom Knockout today.
“Pirates have been doing well lately, but to us they are just like any other club-and we are not intimidated by their good form,” said Tsutsulupa
Tsutsulupa said their 3-0 victory over the star-studded Mamelodi Sundowns in the last 16 of the competition has brought self confidence and more motivation among the players.
“It is a fact that our head coach, Gordon Igesund has done a lot as far as instilling self confidence among players here while at the same time rebuilding a winning combination, and our victory over Sundowns was just one example of good things to come our way,” added Tsutsulupa ahead of the match against Pirates which is regarded as the original Soweto derby.
Pirates on the other side had through their captain, Lucky Lekgwathi showed their excitement about the forthcoming match.
“We are anticipating a tough match against Swallows because they have been doing well lately. That however does not mean we are afraid of them. We will take the game to them, more so because we will be welcoming back the likes of Tlou Segolela and Thulasizwe Mbuyane from injuries.” said Lekgwathi.
The Soshanguve, Tshwane-born skipper added: “We have a point to prove that our good performance last season which saw us lift three major titles was not a fluke. We have to beat swallows and proceed to the next stage of the competition with our ultimate goal as to win our second silver-ware this season.” For the record, Pirates has already won their first silver-ware this season in a form of the MTN 8 which they have successfully defended it at the expense of Ajax Cape Town.
In another interesting fixture, Jomo Cosmos who on Wednesday surprised Bloemfontein Celtic with a 3-0 drubbing in the last 16 stage of the competition will welcome BidVest Wits who earned their passage through to the quarter-finals at the expense of AmaZulu whom they narrowly beat 1-0.
Wits’ Stanton “Stiga” Fredericks said it will be suicidal for them to think that the draw against Cosmos means they will do as they wish against Ezenkosi.
“We don’t see the draw against Cosmos as a favourable factor for us. Cosmos might be currently struggling in the league, but they can be as dangerous to any club in cup matches. I guess they are not in these quarterfinals by mistake, especially after scoring three goals against Celtic who failed to reply,” said Fredericks
Meanwhile the Cape Town clubs, Ajax and Santos were in cloud nine after they each earned home ground advantages.
The People’s Team welcome Platinum Stars with the Urban Warriors hosting Golden Arrows. Competitions committee was still to decide the venues and dates of these matches
