Xoki’s Pirate Experience: Crucial to Nedbank Cup Final Success
Thapelo Xoki, a defender for Orlando Pirates, believes their experiences from intense matches against strong teams like Al Ahly, MC Alger, and Mamelodi Sundowns will be vital for managing emotions in the Nedbank Cup final.
Pirates are preparing to take on Kaizer Chiefs in the Ke Yona Cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium this Saturday at 15:30.
They approach this derby with an edge, having battled tough opponents all season and achieved a league double over the Chiefs.
Notably, Pirates registered a league double over Chiefs last season, a milestone not seen since Ruud Krol was at the helm. Their latest league win against Chiefs underscores their dominance in this rivalry.
In contrast, the Buccaneers have faced a challenging season, highlighted by a remarkable away victory against Al Ahly in Cairo during the CAF Champions League, alongside wins over CR Belouizdad and MC Alger in Algeria.
This season marked their return to the Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 season. They topped their group and secured a key win against Sundowns, who are set to compete in the Champions League final.
Additionally, Pirates secured the MTN8 title in October by defeating Stellenbosch at the Durban venue, marking their third straight “Wafa Wafa” Cup win.
Conversely, Chiefs have shown inconsistent domestic form, putting them at risk of missing a top-eight finish for the second year in a row.
Xoki emphasizes that Pirates’ experiences in high-stakes matches, unlike Chiefs’ current situation, have been instrumental in honing their abilities.
“Securing crucial victories offers us invaluable experience as a team,” Xoki shared.
“Our squad includes numerous young players, who have recently faced similar challenges.
“This experience prepares them and the club as a whole for what to expect and how to perform on the day.
“Everyone knows their responsibilities. We don’t need to motivate anyone for this game; everyone understands the challenge that lies ahead.
“Thus, that experience is advantageous for these matchups.”
While Pirates conceded the Betway Premiership title to Sundowns, requiring only four points from their remaining three matches (if Pirates win all), they reached the Champions League semi-finals, ultimately losing to Pyramids.
In their two-legged tie against the Egyptian side, set to face Sundowns in the Champions League final, Pirates had chances to advance but were ultimately stymied by set-pieces. Set-piece vulnerabilities also contributed to their recent league loss against Sekhukhune United at home, affecting their quest to pursue Sundowns in the league standings.
“Indeed, we have conceded goals from set-pieces, but that doesn’t lessen the hard work we’ve put in this season,” Xoki acknowledged.
“Aside from those recent matches, we have been among the top defensive teams against set-pieces. We must now focus on the details and rectify minor errors. We recognize that we’ve conceded in vital matches, but we will revert to what has proven effective for us throughout the season.”