Thanda ready to rumble
All 5 800 seats for the game have been allocated and fans without tickets are asked to stay away from the stadium, where there will be tight security.
‘THE Nedbank Cup is not our priority, but we intend to give the Buccaneers a real run for their money.’
That’s the message from Amabhubesi head coach Thami Ngubane ahead of Saturday’s big clash with PSL greats Orlando Pirates.
Speaking to the Zululand Observer during a break at an intense training session on Wednesday, Ngubane said he had examined videos of recent Pirates matches and had ‘definitely spotted a few things’ for his tactical planning.
Indeed, the visitors, who arrive in the Bay today (Thursday) are having a bit of a bad run, drawing 0-0 with Ajax on Tuesday after a 1-0 weekend loss to Polokwane City.
They are also between managers, with caretaker Erik Tinkler likely to be in charge as Vladimir Vermezovic is poised to take over.
Thanda, by contrast, are settled and showing superb form, keen to provide an upset in a competition renowned for surprise results.
‘I am sure Pirates will field all their stars after they were humiliated by Maluti FET last year,’ said Ngubane.
‘But we are just focussing on ourselves; they are the ones under pressure.
‘I have told my boys to go out and enjoy themselves and it goes without saying that we want to give a good account of ourselves and win the match.
‘I am very happy with the group.
‘We have always scored goals but conceded too many. Now that we have adapted to the system and tightened the defence, we are looking good.
‘Our priority remains the NFD league so I will be resting some under 23 players.
‘The relegation fears are almost over and we are building for big things.’
* All 5 800 seats for the game have been allocated and fans without tickets are asked to stay away from the stadium, where there will be tight security.
