Cape Town - Ahead of this weekend's Telkom Knockout semi-final against SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates midfielder Mpho Makola has revealed how the club's 6-1 defeat to Matsatsantsa acts as motivation to the team.
Pirates were demolished by United in early November, with the result leading to Muhsin Ertugral's resignation. Interim coach Augusto Palacios has since, however, overseen a run of three consecutive wins.
Nonetheless, Makola, who has become a key attacking player for Bucs and Bafana Bafana in recent times, believes that the pain of that defeat has inspired the side to improve their performances.
The 30-year-old told reporters: "Losing 6-1 was heartbreaking but we did a bit of introspection and decided this badge deserves better.
"The odds will be against us when we face SuperSport in the semi-final but we are ready as they are."
Saturday's action will get underway from 17:00 at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.