Pietermaritzburg - Former Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa says Maritzburg United have a chance of upsetting his old side only if they can put together a quality performance in next week’s Nedbank Cup semi-final.
“They are a team of fighters and will always compete and will give themselves a chance because of their physicality,” he said after his new side Ajax Cape Town lost 2-0 away to Steve Komphela’s team in the PSL at the weekend, reports the supersport.com website.
“They (Maritzburg) are always going to have a chance in the cup game, especially because it is a one-off.
“If they can turn the game against Pirates into a bit of battle they will always have a chance but you have got to turn it into a box to box battle and that is what they are going to have to do,” he said of the semifinal clash to be played at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Maritzburg on Saturday May 3 (kick off 20h15, live on SuperSport4).
“They are going to have to force Pirates to play it long rather than keep possession,” he added before abruptly telling reporters, “but let me not say anymore” as he showed a loyalty to his former club.
Pirates are seeking to reach a fourth successive cup final this season after losing in the MTN8, Telkom Knockout and African Champions League in the second half of last year. It is Maritzburg’s first semifinal in a major cup competition.