Pirates hope to end United hoodoo

However, the Buccaneers have a far from impressive record against SuperSport United, their opponents tonight.

In recent meetings between Matsatsantsa and Pirates, SuperSport have dominated proceedings, and United skipper Dean Furman believes the recent history between the sides could work to their advantage.

“It is a morale-booster when we look at the recent history between us and hopefully we will have a good game,” he told The Citizen.

“Our season has not panned out the way we would have loved it to for a number of reasons and we hope that having been dominant over them in the past will be a bit of a psychological boost,” Furman added.

READ: We know what to do – Furman

Pirates and Matsatsantsa have different agendas on opposite ends of the table, with United looking to haul themselves away from their relegation predicament, while the former are breathing on Mamelodi Sundowns’ neck at the summit of the standings.

“The game is equally important to both teams because we are focusing on climbing up the table and Pirates have got aspirations of their own,” said Furman as they prepare for the Buccaneers at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

One would assume that sitting in 14th place brings about a huge concern for chairman Khulu Sibiya and CEO Stanley Matthews. However, Furman insists they don’t need to be reminded by the top brass of what’s at stake as they approach the last five games of the season.

“We know the message, we don’t need anyone to tell us what’s at stake. We know the situation.”

In tonight’s only other match, Ajax Cape Town host Bidvest Wits at Athlone Stadium.