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Morale booster for Pirates - Matlaba

Pretoria - Following their 1-0 win over the University of Pretoria this past weekend, Orlando Pirates captain Thabo Matlaba believes that the Buccaneers have now found their rhythm as they managed to grab back-to-back victories and will be confident heading into their tough assignment against the high flying Mamelodi Sundowns.

Matlaba’s 70th minute strike was sufficient to hand over the Soweto giants a much needed win over the struggling AmaTuks at the Tuks stadium on Saturday.

'Festival', as he is known in the football fraternity, hinted that the spirit is high in the Buccaneers camp and they will be motivated to cause an upset over the Brazilians.

“We really played well as a team and we created a lot of chances in the first-half which we didn’t score,” said Matlaba.

“But second-half, we kept going at them and we managed to convert the only chance which I scored.

“A win gave us confidence going to the Sundowns game and it will be a big game.

“We are aware of their threat but we are going there confident, fully motivated and more focused. We are going to win that game.”

Heading into their crucial clash against the log leaders, Sundowns, a big blow forthe Happy People will be Matlaba’s absence due to a one game suspension.

The match will be played at the Orlando stadium on Wednesday.

Kick-off is at 19:30.

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