Former defender Innocent Chikoya, who won the BP Top 8 with Orlando Pirates back in 2000, says the Sea Robbers will sail on to victory in the much-anticipated MTN8 final against Stellenbosch FC on Saturday.
Pirates may have to attempt to defend their title at Moses Mabhida Stadium without two of their trusted lieutenants, in Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng, who are doubtful for the match, as revealed by head coach Jose Riveiro.
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The pair was missing in action as the Soweto giants laboured to a 1-0 Betway Premiership victory over Richards Bay last weekend thanks to a stupendous free kick by Kabelo Dlamini.
"I don't know whether the boys are injured or not, but I think the coach would not sit them out just because there is a final coming. Maybe the boys are seriously injured," opines Chikoya, speaking to KickOff.
"It would be a loss to the club if the two players are unable to play the final on Saturday, but Pirates is a big club, so there will always be someone to step in.
"I saw on the weekend against Richards Bay, the team didn't gel, but we played well in terms of ball possession. We were 90% in Richards Bay's half all the time.
"There was not much difference, but you could see that there was someone who was not there. We were missing the pace of Saleng and Ndah's command at the back.
"You could see there's something that is not there, but the boys did play well. They managed to get three points against a team they hadn't beaten," he adds.
Chikoya believes it would be a big boost if the duo were to recover in time for the big match, noting how dangerous Stellenbosch FC can be on their day.
"Stellenbosch is one of the most improved teams. I have been following the way they've been playing in terms of getting results. To them, the most important thing is the results.
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"Pirates's quick passing, counter-attacking football, they've been nice to watch, but now they are playing a team that is playing the same type of football.
"But I'm putting my money on Pirates as I believe they are going to win the cup final on Saturday, with or without Ndah and Saleng."
Kick-off at the sold-out venue is 18:00.