Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki says they are not reading much into their most recent results in all competitions and is optimistic that they will pass the Mamelodi Sundowns hurdle to defend the MTN8 Cup title.
The Sea Robbers lost to Mamelodi Sundowns a fortnight ago in the DStv Premiership through a solitary goal scored by Lucas Ribeiro Costa.
In truth, Jose Riveiro and his men have found the going tough in recent weeks, when they were bundled out of the CAF Champions League by Jwaneng Galaxy.
That was after losing by an identical 1-0 scoreline to the trio TS Galaxy, Mamelodi Sundowns and Stellenbosch FC.
THE BUCCANEERS NOT READING MUCH INTO PREVIOUS RESULTS
But Thapelo Xoki says they have already put memories of the defeats behind them as they brace to face the Tshwane giants.
“It’s Tuesday, we play Saturday. To get over a loss, it’s just 24 hours, so we are past that, and we are looking forward to that final with a positive mindset and positive spirit.
“So far, preparations have been great. Everyone is positive and pushing to their best. We have gotten over the loss to Jwaneng Galaxy, so the mood is positive.
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“The sessions have been great, and we take that and hope we end the week in the same spirit.
“We focus on the game. It’s a big one for us; we have a chance to win another silverware, and we take that chance,” Xoki said.
According to the defender, the Soweto giants are fired up, knowing this one is a different ball game, where they aim to use their experience in knockout competitions.
On the other hand, Mamelodi Sundowns fancy their chances of a domestic treble, as they are smooth sailing in the league.
HIGH HOPES OF DEFENDING THEIR TITLE
Nevertheless, the wounded Orlando Pirates are confident of defending their coveted MTN8 Cup title.
“We know in the league we have not done well against them recently, but we have positives as we go into the game. We go with a lot of positives and knowing that we are capable of beating them.
“The nice part is that it’s a knockout game, so we will try our best to win because we know how to play knock-out games.
“This is our third final in a row, so we know, and we have to use the experience we got in the two finals we played,” Xoki added.