Pirates are regarded as favourites heading into the match after their 2-1 victory over Kaizer Chiefs in the Absa Premiership last month. Not only that, but the Buccaneers are top of the log and there’s more fluidity in their team.
To 'Micho', though, being top of the table or being on form means nothing, as they prepare to face Amakhosi again in the Telkom Knockout semi-final at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (15h00). He would rather focus on getting the job done on the pitch, rather than doing the talking in the media.
“I disagree with you that we are favourites. In a game of this magnitude there are no favourites and it’s not only a rule here with us and Kaizer Chiefs. It’s a rule worldwide where in derbies you could see the team leading the table and the other team is down and it happens vice versa,” the former Ugandan national team coach said.
“I really don’t know why you are putting us as the favourites. We don’t want to accept that tag on us and I believe Kaizer Chiefs are [also] not ready to accept the tag of favourites because they have six times in Telkom Cup gone through against Pirates. So if they think they are favourites, we shall answer in our way. We do not believe we are favourites. We don’t want to be strong in talking, but strong in presenting practically on the field who we are and what we are capable of on Saturday.”
Pirates have not won a competition since lifting the Nedbank Cup in 2014 and now have a good opportunity to progress against a Chiefs side still trying to find its feet with coach Giovanni Solinas.