Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to defeat Mamelodi Sundowns in their upcoming DStv Premiership clash, stating that they can beat anyone on their day.
Innocent Maela was addressing the media at Rand Stadium on Monday morning after a Pirates training session as they prepare for the clash of the Titans in Soweto. Pirates will host Sundowns on Wednesday night (19:30) at Orlando Pirates, a game that is expected to produce fireworks as both sides have arguably the best teams in the PSL.
Maela made it clear that they will be gunning for a win, with Pirates looking to close the gap between them and Sundwons in the league. The Soweto giants, with two games in hand, are 11 points behind Sundowns, who have played six games, compared to the four of Pirates in the league so far.
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“Look it’s not a secret that they [Sundowns] had enormous success. They’ve done things right, and their process is finally paying off for them,” said Maela.
“But we know what it is that we need to do to surpass their level. And I think we are in the right direction. Playing against them is always exciting. We know that we are more than capable of beating anyone in this league.
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“As much as we’re saying that we are playing against a good team. I think they know where they are. The Bafana Bafana international added: “They know that they are also playing a strong team. A confident team, a team that plays with aggression, a team that is enjoyable to watch. I know you [media] enjoy watching us.
“So it’s going to be an exciting game. I’m sure where they [Sundowns] are, they also know that it’s not going to be easy, especially at Esgodini [Orlando Stadium].”