2019 Telkom Knockout Quarterfinal Preview: “Pirates’ time to shine,” Thulasizwe Mbuyane – Former Orlando Pirates striker

“If there is one game where confidence or form doesn’t count it has to be the Soweto derby. It doesn’t matter how you played before the derby, whoever is willing to fight for their team and make things happen will win. You play for the badge in front of your jersey more than your name at the back of it. I don’t see Pirates losing this game and the good thing is that it is a cup game, so there will be no draw. I know people are making a lot out of the two teams’ form but, like I said, when it comes to the derby, none of that matters. Coach Rhulani (Mokwena) must just field players that will play for him and I’m hoping that the guys understand that things need to change. Playing in a derby isn’t like playing Stellenbosch FC, with all due respect to them, because there’s a lot to play for more than just the trophy.

The bragging rights are at stake and I know the chairman (Irvin Khoza) will meet with the players and tell them about the importance of doing well in the derby. He will surely tell them to play like Orlando Pirates players because he does a lot for his players. The chairman has assembled a team that can compete against anyone and it is just a matter of the guys believing in themselves. They can do it and I feel this is the best time for them to play Chiefs who are high on confidence.

If the guys pull in the same direction, work for the badge and the supporters, everything will fall into place. This is the game Pirates need and this could be the turning point of their season. A number of players need to make full use of this opportunity to appease our supporters who have been rallying behind them through thick and thin. This is going to be an acid test for coach Rhulani but he needs to just tell his soldiers to go out there and play for him. This is Pirates’ time to shine and regroup. The stage is set and we want to see the Pirates we know.”