There is one thing common for Orlando Pirates' players as they finalise preparations for the beginning of the MTN8 competition this weekend, and that is to progress to the next round for a chance to defend the trophy again.
Under coach Jose Riveiro, the Buccaneers have won the trophy two times in succession in 2022 and 2023, but they know that it won't be easy against SuperSport United on Saturday, a side they last met in the competition since 2018.
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In two league meetings last season, Bucs failed to beat Matsatsantsa after losing the first-round match 3-1 away in December, while the second-round fixture in Orlando in May ended in a 1-1 draw.
Pirates captain Innocent Maela believes that the team's recent camp in Spain could be what they needed to add fuel to the fire in their aim to go all the way in the MTN8, starting with pushing SuperSport aside.
"The launch was very important because it presented another opportunity for us to win the trophy. We are very focused and serious about the game against SuperSport United. We are serious about defending our trophy once again. But we have all agreed that it's a new campaign and therefore meaning a fresh start and that will require us to show that we really want to win the trophy again and not depend on what we achieved last season," said Maela, speaking to journalists.
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"The camp in Spain has helped us a lot in our preparations as we got to play some tough games there against aggressive opponents, which is something we aren't really used to in South Africa. Tactically, they are also very good, and they are flexible as well. That is going to help us a lot as we prepare for campaigns in the league and the upcoming MTN8," the Bucs defender added.
