Pirates looking for redemption against high flying City

Cape Town City hammered Swallows FC 4-0 in the second leg of the MTN semifinal on Wednesday to book a date with Mamelodi Sundowns in the final of the competition.

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But this weekend City will face Orlando Pirates in a DStv Premiership clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Following their convincing win against Swallows, City coach Tinkler hopes City have now managed to bring back their confidence, following a stint of poor results, especially in the league. 

City were dealt with a huge blow when fellow Capetonians Stellenbosch FC thrashed them 3-0, which was followed by a league clash with Swallows, that ended 0-0 prior to their meeting in the MTN8.

Tinkler and his City troops come up against a limping Pirates side after the Buccaneers were brought down to earth by Sundowns, as the Pretoria side beat the Soweto giants 2-0 to end their two games wining streak.

“I am happy for the team. We have been working extremely hard in that final third to score goals and we got them,” said the Mother City based coach following their impressive win against the Birds.

“Hopefully that now builds the confidence and morale of the team. The psychological side of the game is so important. A lot of people don’t see that, and I think we needed this result leading up to the game on the weekend against Orlando Pirates.”

For Pirates, they will surely be going into this match looking for redemption with the club still having a lot to improve on in order to be considered title contenders in the early stages of the league.

The Buccaneers, however, have showed in some games, particularly in the wins against Swallows and Chippa United that they have the ability to be counted amongst title chasers. 

Before the Downs game, striker Tshegofatso Mabasa scored two goals in two matches, displaying that he could be the go to man for Bucs when the club needs goals, especially with the likes of Zakhele Lepasa on a long term injury, while Gabadinho Mhango has been disturbed by personal issues. Last season, the sides played to a 2-2 draw in Cape Town, while Pirates won the return leg In Orlando.