Gunning For Mzansi's Big Guns!
In football, as in life, the hunter can sometimes become the hunted. The same scenario may play itself out this weekend as Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs prepare to do battle against lower league sides Crystal Lake FC (ABC Motsepe League) and Milford FC (Motsepe Foundation Championship) respectively. We have seen how in the past big teams have focused on the main goal when coming up against unfancied opponents such as the abovementioned pair, in the process neglecting the finer details that become the difference between triumphing and succumbing. Much to their detriment. The fact the two Soweto giants will have more supporters in the stands cheering them on could to their advantage but also work but also to their disadvantage the longer the game goes and there is no breakthrough. Tread carefully, Messrs. Jose Riveiro and Cavin Johnson. There are other interesting ties to look forward to as well, not least the KZN Derby between AmaZulu FC and Royal AM, with the latter seeking revenge after Usuthu humiliated them in a 3-0 league result towards the end of last year. JDR Stars up against Hungry Lions is another one that promises fireworks, as both teams know a lot about each other competing in the same division. Soccer Laduma's Tshepang Mailwane brings you a preview of this round!
Crystal Lake v Orlando Pirates
24 February, Mbombela Stadium, 15h00
It's tricky and very dangerous
Tshepang Mailwane: Orlando Pirates officially got to know who their Nedbank Cup Last 32 opponents are earlier this week. How much of an effect do you think that will have on them, considering they would not have had much time to gather information on Crystal Lake FC?
Patrick Malokase: It's always going to be tricky, especially when you are playing against somebody you do not know. They have not had a lot of time to get to know more about their opponents. The danger is that when you play against the lower division opponents, they do not need any motivation, especially when it's a big side like Orlando Pirates. They will be motivated, and Pirates may not know much about what they have been up to and what they are about. It's tricky and very dangerous. We've seen before how lower division teams come to kill the big teams. Pirates have experienced that before with Maluti FET College, so it's dangerous and they need to be on the lookout.
TM: We often refer to that Maluti defeat as Bucs' biggest upset in the competition, but they have not had too many compared to rivals Kaizer Chiefs. Why is this the case?
PM: I think they have their mentality right and I believe that was a turning point. I believe that every season when they have to play against a lower division side, they get reminded or they remind themselves about that upset against Maluti. One thing that's a plus is that being a professional side playing against a lower division side, you always have an advantage because of your technical and tactical ability. It's always better than that of a lower division side. If you can apply yourself correctly and be professional in everything that you do on the day, then you always have a good chance of winning the game with ease.
TM: In a match like this, do you think coach Jose Riveiro has the luxury of making wholesale changes and playing some of the fringe players to give them game-time?
PM: Honestly, I would not do that if I was him. I would not give fringe players an opportunity for a game like this, especially against an opponent you might not know really well. I'd go all out with a full squad. I would go out with the best XI that has been playing regularly because you don't want to find yourself with guys who are not match-fit. Being a fringe player does not mean you are a bad player, but you have to have match fitness and all of that. So, it's always best to have guys who have been playing to start these kinds of games. It's important for the coach to do that, just to put yourself on the safe side. You can lead comfortably during the game and then you can look at giving other guys a chance to play as substitutes in the second half.
TM: How much pressure is there on the Soweto giants, being defending champions and all?
PM: Honestly, there is always pressure at Pirates. Every game, whether it's a league or a cup, you have to win it because you are a big team as Pirates. You are always playing in front of a crowd of people and you have too many supporters across the nation, so you have pressure all the time to deliver. You need to satisfy all the millions of people, so it's pressure on its own. I believe that every player who plays for Pirates understands that and they apply themselves accordingly in every game that they play. This is obviously the type of game where they have to deliver.
TM: In a world where there is a lot of technology, do you think Pirates wouldn't have gotten some information on their opponents?
PM: It might be a bit difficult because the team plays in the ABC Motsepe League. If it was a National First Division (Motsepe Foundation Championship) team, then I would say 'by all means'. This would have been a lot easier because you can get their games and you have their footage. But when you play against a team lower than that, it's very difficult. I know on my side, I am currently leading an ABC Motsepe League team as a chairperson. When I got there, I started coming up with ways to analyse the game and how to take videos and all of that because it was not there. I don't think most of the teams have that ability. They don't have the resources to come out with that and have footage for themselves, so it would be difficult for a team like Pirates to get that information. So, it depends on who you play against. For Pirates, it's going to be difficult because I don't think there is much that they know or that they have seen of their opponents.
TM: As someone who is now involved in the ABC Motsepe League, what can your former side more or less expect from a team like Crystal Lake FC?
PM: ABC Motsepe League teams are quite competitive. These days, they have good personnel in the technical teams. They have guys who have played the game, and they have experience, so it will always be tricky. Yes, most of them are fairly young and maybe not as experienced to play big games, but it's always tricky because they always play to impress, especially when it's against big teams as they aspire to be up there. It's difficult, but at the same time Pirates is a big club and they are expected to win. They know that they have to win and I believe they will do so.
TM: Can the underdogs take any comfort from their home advantage in this encounter?
PM: I don't think it really matters because I believe some of those players are Pirates supporters. You know that Pirates have supporters all over the country, so I believe they will be playing against a team with supporters who support Pirates. Pirates will have more support on the day.
TM: With the league title almost out of reach this season, how much more important does this Nedbank Cup become for them to win?
PM: The first thing is that they are the defending champions, so it's pressure on its own. You don't want to be the defending champions and get knocked out by a lower division team in the first round. So, they are under pressure. It's important to want to make history by defending the cup. I believe that Pirates understand the situation and they will play with that in mind. If I was in their shoes and playing against a lower division team, I would double my efforts so that we can make a mark from the word go and pass on the message to every team that you are the defending champion.
TM: How much can the fans bank on the good run in cup competitions under Riveiro?
PM: The coach has experience of winning trophies and this is a good thing for Pirates. I realised that when it comes to cup matches, he does well to go as far as possible. He is that type of coach and because he is coaching Pirates, it's never an easy job. There is pressure on him as well not to disappoint, but his experience will be important. He should play his top troops and go out there to win the game.
We need to bring our A-game
Lady D – Pirates supporter
"We've been drawn against Crystal Lake FC and we know that they are an amateur club from Mpumalanga. I think as Orlando Pirates, we should remember that the small clubs always want to prove a point in this competition, especially against the big clubs. We had the chairman of Crystal Lake FC saying that they want to knock Pirates out of the Nedbank Cup, so we must not repeat what happened with Maluti FET College years ago. I think my team should just pick up from where they left off against Mamelodi Sundowns, with the same momentum. Besides, we are the defending champions and we need to make sure that we get to the final. We cannot say it's a small team and relax. We need to bring our A-game when we play against them on Saturday. I am hoping that we can defend the title. It's not going to be an easy task, but I believe in the boys."
Kaizer Chiefs v Milford FC
25 February, FNB Stadium, 18h00
I think it's one of the two
Tshepang Mailwane: Yeye, it's yet another tricky encounter for Amakhosi against a lower division side. As someone who was part of the team that lost to a third-tier side Baroka FC in 2011, what would you say happened that day?
Reneilwe Letsholonyane: If I recall, I don't think we had a bad game that day. I might be wrong because it's a long time ago. We had those opportunities that we created like in every game we played back then, but we did not use those opportunities. The game dragged on and because it dragged longer, they got the opportunities and that motivated them. Once they got motivated, they ended up using the opportunities that they got. They grew in confidence and as the game went on they converted the chances that they got. It was one of those days where it took long for us to wrap up the game (after taking the lead) and they gained confidence, and they started feeling like they could match us and even win the game. So, it was a tricky one.
TM: What is it like facing the lower division teams when you play for such massive side?
RL: It's difficult and tricky, because they come into the game as underdogs and, at times, unknowns. They literally see you playing every weekend, whereas you as the bigger team do not really get to see them playing much. Also, they are motivated and want to market themselves. It's an opportunity to be seen, whether it's by Chiefs or teams who are in the same league as Chiefs. That is one tricky part. You can watch a few of their games and plan for them at be at your best, but they double their efforts on the day, and it becomes tricky, especially because you are playing against people you do not really know. They know you more than you know them.
TM: When you look back at the history of the Nedbank Cup, the Naturena-based outfit has had more upsets against lower division teams than rivals Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns. Why do you think this is the case?
RL: Maybe a lot of people want to play for Chiefs. That's why they double their efforts. Or maybe, on the day, Chiefs are not on the level that they should be on as a team. I think it's one of the two. One, people are motivated and they see a possibility to beat Chiefs or maybe on the day, Chiefs is not at their best to win the game.
TM: Do you think there is a level of complacency when the Soweto giants play lower division teams in this competition?
RL: Look, psychologically you know that you are playing against a team in the lower division. It's a fact and it cannot be changed. But you still want to win the game because it's a possibility for silverware for yourself and the club. So, I don't think there is a player that goes into a game and thinks that they can be complacent and win the game. I don't think that happens.
TM: What goes on in the mind of a Chiefs player after losing to a lower division team?
RL: You become very disappointed and it's upsetting because you know that you let a whole lot of people down. You know that you let yourself down because you did not do enough to represent the brand and the supporters who are behind you throughout. So, you are disappointed in yourself, and you are disappointed as a team because you know that you did not do justice for the club and its supporters.
TM: Do you think the current generation of players will look back at all the upsets the team has encountered in the Nedbank Cup and go all out to ensure that history does not repeat itself?
RL: They are aware. I am sure when the history of the Nedbank Cup is being told or when the analysis is being done, some of those games appear somewhere there. If not, there are always games that are repeated on TV. There's always a reminder of those games and moments, so I am definitely sure that they are aware of what's happened. I assume they want to do better because they want to represent the brand well. Based on what they represent and the fact that they always want to win as footballers, I am sure they would want to win this one.
TM: What attitude do they need to take into a game like this one?
RL: They should take the same attitude that they would take into a game against the clubs they play against every week. To try to win a football match. They should do the best that they can to win and not underestimate the opponent.
TM: You played for the Glamour Boys during a time when the club was winning trophies. How much pressure do you think is on the current generation to end the drought?
RL: The pressure is very high. You play football to win trophies. That's one of the objectives and it becomes even worse when you play for big teams. If you don't win trophies when you play for a big team, then the pressure mounts and it keeps getting higher. Every game becomes more pressure, especially the cup games because they are sort of the easier way of getting silverware. You play a few games compared to the league. So, the pressure becomes more because you know that in four or five matches, you will be in the final and the possibility of lifting the trophy is there, so it becomes a high-pressure situation for the club going into the competition.
TM: How important is it for the team to do well in this particular one as it's probably the last realistic chance of a trophy this season?
RL: For you to get to the final, you need to win your games. If they want to have the possibility of playing in the final, they have no choice but to win their games, starting with this first one. It's important for them to focus on one game at a time. They must first cross this hurdle. Winning the first one gives you a chance of being in the final because you are closer.
TM: Does the experience of Cavin Johnson mean anything? He won two knockout competitions as head coach of Platinum Stars some years ago…
RL: Definitely, his experience helps. He knows how to win trophies and I am sure that his experience will come into play and assist the team. He will try to influence the performance of the players and maybe that can lead them to getting the results.
We need to send a statement
Thulani Nombali – Chiefs supporter
"Eish, Kaizer Chiefs! You know the problem over the years is that they have given everyone a chance to have a go at them. Even when the team is weak, they can feel that they stand a chance against Chiefs. They feel that they are playing against a bigger club, but this bigger club is not controlling the game. I can't really say it's underestimating the opponent, but I just think we have been poor as a club over the years. Unfortunately, the lower division sides up their game when they meet Chiefs, thinking that they are playing against a big team with quality. I think that's where we always lose. The other teams up their game and we are easy-going and we always get disappointed. With Milford, they are playing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, which is not far from the topflight. The least Chiefs can do is take them seriously and treat them the same way they would treat Polokwane City, for example. We need to send a statement against Milford and boost our own confidence with a big score margin."
Tshwane draws first blood!
As both Black and White and Gold and Black sides of Soweto sit tight and hope for favourable results against their lower-tier opposition this weekend, Tshwane is in joyous mood after the duo of Mamelodi Sundowns and SuperSport United secured wins over NB La Masia and Cape Town City respectively on Tuesday evening. It was a big statement, in particular, from Rhulani Mokwena's men, as they won 6-1, with Gaston Sirino netting a hat-trick. Having been unable to defend their trophy last season after being defeated by Stellenbosch FC in the quarterfinals, they will now be aiming to go all the way, and there will be no arguing against them doing so looking at the depth in their squad. Meanwhile, it may have taken Matsatsantsa the lottery of penalties to sneak through to the next round, but the important thing for Gavin Hunt is that they will be in the hat when the Last 16 draw takes place. It also augurs well for the competition that two of South Africa's Big Five are still in it, which means more eyeballs on the tournament.
OTHER FIXTURES TO LOOK FORWARD TO
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22
AmaZulu AM v Royal AM
(King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, 19h00)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Golden Arrows v TS Galaxy
(Mpumalanga Stadium, 19h00)
Stellenbosch FC v Pretoria Callies
(Danie Craven Stadium, 19h00)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24
JDR Stars v Hungry Lions
(Soshanguve Giant Stadium, 15h00)
Platinum City Rovers v Moroka Swallows
(Isak Steyl Stadium, 15h00)
Ravens v Spain
(Princess Magogo Stadium, 15h00)
Richards Bay FC v Polokwane City
(King Goodwill Zwelithini Stadium, 18h00)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25
D'General v Madridstas
(Free State Stadium, 15h00)
Maritzburg United v Paarl United
(Princess Magogo Stadium, 15h00)
NC Pro's v Chippa United
(Mxolisi Dicky Jacobs Stadium, 15h00)
