How Maela and Co. are preparing against unknown foe in Nedbank Cup
Orlando Pirates captain Innocent Maela has revealed how his side is preparing against an unknown foe in the Nedbank Cup Last 32.
The Round of 32 draw took place in January as this season’s participating teams learnt of their respective opponents.
Pirates were the only side left in the dark due to an unresolved case in the SAFA Mpumalanga province.
The Soweto giants will therefore take on HollywoodsBets Men’s Regional League club Crystal Lake FC or ABC Motsepe League side Middleburg United once the dispute is reaolved.
The match is set to be played on Saturday, 24 February at Mbombela Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 15:00.
The Sea Robbers will be aiming to make another history by winning back-to-back Nedbank Cup titles. Already this campaign, the ‘Cup Specialists’ have successfully defended the MTN8. They edged their rivals Mamelodi Sundowns 3-1 on penalties. The two sides had played out to a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes.
INNOCENT MAELA EMPHASIZES ON THE IMPORTANCE OF INTERNAL PREPARATIONS
The skipper, Maela emphasised on the importance of internal preparations. He says their main focus is on getting ready for the match.
Maela further added that it would have been better to know their opponents. This will help them start gathering all the necessary information and begin their analysis.
“We are not really focused on [unknown Nedbank Cup opponent] that even if we know our opponents, with us it doesn’t change,” said Maela.
“The focus remains with us, how we do, how we prepare, how we execute and how we implement our game plan.
“Yes, we do watch our opponents and we study them. It’s important that we know and hopefully we are going to find out soon so that our analysts and everyone can start preparing accordingly.”
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