Nedbank Cup
Last 32
Teams: Orlando Pirates v Tornado
Date: 18 February 2015
Venue: Orlando Stadium
Orlando Pirates are favourites to progress into the next stage of the Nedbank Cup when they host Tornado in a Last 32 match at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night.
The match is scheduled to get underway at 19h30.
Tornado, who hail from the Eastern Cape, ply their football in the third tier of South African football known as the ABC Motsepe League under former Buccaneers star Jerry Sikhosana.
Pirates, although favourites, are wary of the lower league team according to coach Eric Tinkler.
“It is always difficult playing against teams like Tornado because there is little that we know about their strengths and/or weaknesses; yet they know everything there is to know about us from all our televised games,” explains Tinkler.
“But look, they are in the Nedbank Cup so that makes them formidable opposition for us; so the approach will be the same as for any other PSL Team.
“It is vitally important that we go out there and give a good performance, we have to be focused and execute our plan.”
Pirates are the defending champions of the Nedbank Cup after beating Thanda Royal Zulu, Santos, Mamelodi Sundowns, Maritzburg United and Bidvest Wits to claim the 2014 title.
Tornado beat FC Buffalo 1-0 on their way to this year’s Last 32 and coach Sikhosana says while he is excited to return home, his team will not exit the competition without a fight.
“It’s a strange one because I will be coming home, but with the away side. I’m a massive supporter of Orlando Pirates so it will be a difficult game,” said Sikhosana.
“Most of my players support Pirates, even my chairman is a fan so he is also very excited.
“We look forward to the occasion and we will put up a good showing.”
You can follow the action live in our match centre or catch all the key moments on Twitter @Soccer_Laduma
Here is how they line up.
Orlando Pirates: Mhlongo, Gumede, Mahamutsa, Jele, Matlaba, Sarr, Ntshumayelo, Makola, Myeni, Bacela, Erasmus.
Tornado: Maphakane, Ndogeni, Majola, Moni, Chauke, Maboea, Pietersen, Siluma, Yakho, Mafanya, Ngwetjana
