Defender Tapelo Xoki says Orlando Pirates will not be underestimating last 16 opponents Hungry Lions and will take lessons from last season's encounter against Dondol Stars in the Nedbank Cup.
The Nedbank Cup defending champions kicked off their defence of their title with a 6-0 thrashing of SAFA division side Crystal Lake on Saturday.
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Next up for Pirates is another lower division team in the form of Hungry Lions, who booked their seats in the last 16 with a 1-0 win against JDR Stars over the weekend.
Speaking at the Nedbank Cup last 16 draw on Monday night, Pirates’ vice-captain Xoki insists that it would be a mistake to underestimate lower division teams.
"Firstly, we are happy that we will play at home, that means we will have the backing from our supporters," the defender said.
"We know these matches are not easy, that when we play lower division teams, it becomes difficult.
"We have that experience - Dondol Stars took us to penalties. So, we know that in the way we play, we have to respect them (Hungry Lions) firstly, and be diligent in our performance. The important thing is to progress to the next stage.
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"We have to give them the respect they deserve. They are in the tournament as everyone else and they are in it to win.
"For us, we take every game as important as it is, there is no lucky draw. We only wanted a home fixture which we got, but in terms of the team, we don’t think that because it’s a lower division side, we are going to through. It’s a lucky draw for us, no we don’t think that.
"The teams that are in the last 16 deserve to be in the last 16. They won their games and we have to give them that respect."
Chiefs match against Hungry Lions will be played at Orlando Stadium on Saturday. Kick-off is at 15:30.
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