Orlando Pirates will today leave for KwaZulu-Natal where they will hold a training session at the 54,000-seater Moses Mabhida Stadium – the venue for their Telkom Knockout final against BidVest Wits on Saturday.
Pirates coach Julio Leal – whose team lost 3-1 to Wits when the sides met in a League match last month – says he now has some knowledge of Roger de Sa’s tactical approach.
“I believe that we know more about them after the (League) game. They were the better team because they were in good shape,” said Leal, according to Kickoff.com.
Leal says the presence of two of his key players – skipper Lucky Lekgwathi and striker Benni McCarthy – would turn the tide in Pirates’ favour.
Unlike in their League match against Wits, Pirates are likely to field a full strength side on Saturday with midfielder Dikgang Mabalane – who has a hamstring injury – being the only player who has been ruled out of the match.
“These two players (Lucky and Benni) are very important although we also have other capable players,” said the Pirates coach.
“Lucky is the captain and a key figure in defence while Benni brings to the team strength, maturity which helps us to keep possession of the ball for longer periods.
“Benni has shown that he can make the difference,” adds the Brazilian coach.
Leal said he is also preparing his team for a possible penalty shootout in the event of a draw after extra time.