Tuks relying on Bucs inside info

Cape Town - University of Pretoria boss Sammy Troughton says his side will be relying on Lennox Bacela to provide inside information on how to handle his former team-mates as they prepare to face Orlando Pirates.

However, the Northern Irishman did not disclose whether Bacela would start against the Buccaneers in the Telkom Knockout round-of-16 clash on Friday night.

"Obviously, Lennox was with Orlando Pirates. Maybe Lennox can give us one or two tips, but for him to get into the team it's like everyone else," he told Goal website.

"Because he's an ex-Pirates player doesn't mean he's going to be an automatic choice. He's got to earn his place, you know."

Having lost six of their opening seven Premiership fixtures, Troughton remains optimistic about his team's chances against the Soweto giants.

"Look, I think's a different situation because this is a Cup game, so it gives the guys an opportunity to maybe start something, a bit of a run in winning some games," he added.

"It's different to the league. The league is a game in, game out. This is a one-off cup tie and I don't want to put pressure on the players.

"I want them to be free to play but also responsible to their defensive duties. So we'll take it as it comes. I don't think the league form counts for anything."