Pirates in GU gun-sight

MQONDISI DUBE
Staff Writer | Friday February 12, 2010 00:00

 

The reigning champions are having a dreadful run in their title defence and would have to be at their best to get their CAF campaign off to a flier. But they face a formidable task against Pirates, the 1995 African Champions.

The Soweto giants have the enviable record of being the only southern African side to win the continent’s most prestigious club competition. GU can find consolation in the fact that Pirates have not been at their best in the league, and have a low scoring rate. Pirates last won the South African league title in 2001 and have scored a meagre 24 goals in 27 matches. This is a poor return of less than a goal per game.

While Pirates go into the weekend game with their tails up following a 2-0 midweek win over AmaZulu in the league, GU’s confidence was deflated by a 3-1 loss to Botswana’s representatives in the CAF Confederations Cup, Uniao Flamengo Santos last Saturday.

GU lie seventh and just like Pirates, their title hopes have all but vanished. This should set the stage for an intriguing tie as both sides would turn to the Champions League to mollify their fans after a barren season thus far.

The biggest draw card should be mercurial midfielder, Tsholofelo Teko Modise who has recovered from a knee injury and took part in last evening’s training. Homeboy, Phenyo Mongala who played for GU’s blood rivals, Township Rollers is expected to be in the Pirates’ line-up. He came on as a second half substitute in the midweek win over AmaZulu.

Pirates has other potent players in Thulasizwe Mbuyane, Gert Schalkwyk, Dikgang ‘Terminator’ Mabalane, Lucas Thwala, exciting young prospect, Andile Jali and the colourful Moneeb Josephs in goal. GU will depend on last season’s star performer, Ofentse ‘Size 10’ Nato, Sageby Sandaka, Steven Maposa and Zambian forward, Ronald Chikomo for a shock victory. If GU shows the grit and determination that was their hallmark last season, then Pirates might be in for a shock defeat. It will encourage GU to know that the South Africans have struggled in Africa since their shock 1995 triumph against favourites, ASEC Mimosa of Abidjan.  GU’s Zambian coach, Manfred Chabinga said his boys are raring to go. Sandaka and Tumisang ‘Butcher’ Sekanonyana have to pass a late fitness test while Bosarutweng ‘Booster’ Magola is a doubtful starter as he battles with an ankle injury sustained in the league clash against Rollers. “So far the preparations are going well but I am concerned about the few knocks that my players are carrying,” Chabinga said yesterday. He said his team will have to attack but be wary of leaving gaps at the back. He said they are aware that Pirates can attack furiously as evidenced in their game against AmaZulu on Wednesday.

“We saw yesterday (Wednesday) that they can attack. When they defend they all fall back. We have to come up with Plan A and B to contain them,” Chabinga said. He urged GU fans to come out in large numbers to cheer the boys as they search for what could be a morale boosting victory ahead of the return leg in Port Elizabeth on February 28.

The 10,000-seater UB Stadium might prove to be a small venue as tickets for the clash were selling fast yesterday. Kick-off is 3.30pm.

Meanwhile, Pirates will be donating t-shirts and footballs to Motswedi in Extension 10 at 10.30am today.