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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates’ dismal season means the Nedbank Cup carries increased significance for coach Kjell Jonevret, who will want to avoid another season without a trophy.
With a top-eight finish not guaranteed, the Nedbank Cup is Pirates’ most realistic chance of salvaging a calamitous campaign. But they will have to pull out all the stops to lift it.
Right man for job
The Buccaneers need to book their place in the final to keep a hugely disappointing season alive when they visit Golden Arrows at Princess Magogo Stadium.
Interestingly, the two sides will meet again in a league fixture on Saturday.
The big question is, which one will Pirates prioritise?
The club is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year and will not want to have a quiet one, and are expected to throw everything at their hosts.
Jonevret has not yielded the required results, but winning this tournament will go a long way to convincing the hard-to-please Ghost that he is the right man for the job.
So far, he has been found wanting with only two league victories in 12 matches. But he has done well in the cup competition, with only Arrows now standing between him and his maiden cup final.
Missed the draw
And it won’t be easy as Arrows are also eyeing a spot in the final, especially as it will be played in their backyard at Moses Mabhida Stadium next month.
Arrows have also not been playing well, but Clinton Larsen will fancy his chances against a hapless Pirates, who have failed to score in their past four matches.
Young Nduduzo Sibiya has been a revelation for Abafana Bes’thende and the 21-year-old will be a threat to the sloppy Pirates rearguard.
Jonevret will welcome back midfielder Mpho Makola, who missed the draw against Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday.
