Share

Pirates have just two days to prepare for TKO final

Cape Town - Orlando Pirates could find themselves short on preparation when they face Baroka in Saturday’s Telkom Knockout final in Port Elizabeth.

The Buccaneers face a punishing schedule this week, which started at 02:00 on Tuesday morning when they departed from OR Tambo International Airport on a five-hour flight to the Seychelles for the second-leg of their CAF Champions League preliminary round tie against Light Stars.

While Pirates enjoy a healthy 5-1 lead in the tie and are expected to finish the job on Wednesday without too much trouble, they will then return to South Africa with just two days to prepare for the all-important Cup final at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Coach Milutin Sredojevic and his team are feeling the pressure and will be taking nothing for granted against Light Stars - even if it does appear to be the easier of the two tasks that lie ahead.

“The squad is ready, and the players are showing that they all want to win this away match‚” Sredojevic said.

“We don’t undermine any team - this isn’t a Pirates thing to do. We respect every opponent that we face - this is why we are approaching this match the same way as we would approach any league match.

“While we carry all the expectations from our supporters to perform‚ Light Stars come into this game without any pressure. But be that as it may‚ we are a team used to pressure.

"Pressure is part and parcel of being part of a big team.”

This weekend's Telkom Knockout final presents Pirates with an opportunity to claim their first silverware since 2014, and a first trophy for Sredojevic in his second season in charge.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1473 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2252 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE