Orlando Pirates want to beat Tottenham Hotspur – Lucas Thwala

Kaizer Chiefs’ Abia Nale & Orlando Pirates’ Lucas Thwala

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Having seen Kaizer Chiefs beat Tottenham Hotspur in the opening game of the Vodacom Challenge, forgotten Orlando Pirates defender Lucas Thwala has warned the visitors to expect more of the same on Tuesday.

George Lebese struck in injury-time to hand the Amakhosi a deserved 1-0 win against Spurs in Polokwane, and Thwala, back after missing the whole of last season with an ankle injury, says his side will give their all to inflict more misery on Harry Redknapp’s team.

“Obviously we will go for the win,” Thwala told KickOff.com at Mbombela Stadium. “But now that they have lost against Chiefs it is going to be a bit more difficult.”

Spurs are expected to start the game against Pirates with the likes of Gareth Bale, Rafael van der Vaart and Aaron Lennon, who all came off the bench against Chiefs. Steven Pienaar and Luka Modric could also feature after missing out altogether at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

Meanwhile, Thwala says the spirit in the camp is high and that they cannot wait to officially get their pre-season preparations started.

“Everything is going well so far,” he said. “We don’t have any injuries and everybody’s doing fine, including the new guys who have been welcomed into the team. We are very motivated ahead of the new season.”

He added: “We are very excited about a tournament like the Vodacom Challenge. It’s not about the individual, but about the team. But then it is also a good opportunity for us – maybe they will be interested in one of our players.”

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp arrives in South Africa on Monday after missing the first few days of the pre-season tour.