Orlando Pirates stand a good chance of reaching the final of the Nedbank Cup, and to possibly defend the trophy, according to the club's former player James Mothibi.
The Buccaneers have been enjoying good form and scoring goals much to the delight of their supporters.
In their last three matches, Bucs have scored 12 goals and conceded just three across all competitions, with Tshegofatso Mabasa showing no signs of stopping to produce top performances.
Having defeated AmaZulu 4-2 in front of their supporters in Durban in the quarter-finals of the prestigious competition, Pirates can do it again against Chippa United in Gqeberha to progress to the final, according to the enthusiastic Mothibi.
The Good
"The boys realised that the league is gone for this season, and are focused on preparing for next season, and I think that's the way to go about it. The performance I see from the team is in line with the planning for next season, the way I see it. The team is already preparing for next season but unfortunately the kind of performances they are dishing out now will be put on hold by the off-season break. I was impressed with how Pirates played against AmaZulu. I even had a chat with AmaZulu president Sandile Zungu before the match and he was confident that his team would give a good fight against Pirates and that's what they did. AmaZulu played well and they created some chances but the Pirates goalkeeper and defence were equal to the task. Pule Ekstein had a chance to score but Pirates were fully aware of the threat caused," said Mothibi.
The Bad
"Yes, Sundowns have good players but they are at the top of the log because of their good preparation. Their preparation was better than the other teams hence they have been doing well. But I am also pleased with Pirates' preparation, there has been improvement hence they have been performing well lately. You can get Sundowns to play Pirates now and you will have a very good game of football because both teams are doing well domestically. Both teams have great coaches and there is no doubt in my mind that their game would be highly competitive. I have been impressed with Rulani Mokwena's progress, he is prepared to learn every day, and he is down to earth. I like the fact that he's got this way of protecting his image by telling people where to get off when he has to do that," he said.
The Ugly
"The game against Chippa United in the semi-finals won't be easy but Pirates will do well to progress to the final. Chippa is a very good team and I have been following them. They came to play in Kimberly and I saw how they were preparing that they were cooking something," he added.
Summary
"I have been impressed with Goodman Mosele and he has been on top of his game. I have no doubt in my mind that Pirates are going to recall the boy from his loan at Chippa. The boy is focused, I spoke to him, and he wants to go back to the national team. I would like to see him getting an overseas move," concluded the ex-striker.
Can Pirates defend the Nedbank Cup again?
