TTM’s Ndivhuwo Mawela plan to silence Pirates’ star-studded frontline

Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila [TTM] goalkeeper Ndivhuwo Mawela has revealed how he plans to deal with Orlando Pirates’ star-studded frontline when the two sides clash in the Nedbank Cup Round of 32 this afternoon in Durban.

The encounter between the SAFA Limpopo ABC Motsepe League underdogs and the Betway Premiership heavyweights is set to take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00.

TTM faces a mammoth task against the Buccaneers side that has been in impressive form. Under the tutelage of Abdeslam Ouaddou, Pirates have already secured a treble of trophies this season—clinching the MTN8, Carling Knockout Cup, and the Carling Black Label Cup.

However, the Lucky Nelukau-coached side remains a perennial threat in the ‘giant-killer’ role. TTM boasts a storied pedigree of upending top-flight opposition, most notably during their 2022 campaign. That run saw them dispatch Golden Arrows 7-6 in a clinical penalty shootout before clinching a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over SuperSport United in the quarter-finals.

NDIVHUWO MAWELA HOPES TO SILENCE ORLANDO PIRATES’ ATTACKERS

The 21-year-old shot-stopper, Mawela, insists he is unfazed by the prospect of facing finishers like Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, and Yanela Mbuthuma.

For him, this match is an opportunity to validate his worth after being named the SAFA Vhembe Regional League Goalkeeper of the Season last term.

Mawela believes the preparation and the club’s history in the competition will serve them well.

“You know, if given a chance, I don’t think I’ll be nervous to play against those players [Relebohile Mofokeng, Evidence Makgopa, and Yanela Mbuthuma] because I’m ready for competition and to up my game, actually,” Mawela told FARPost.

“I want to show them why I was voted the Goalkeeper of the Season in my region. It has encouraged me to work hard this season and help my team qualify for the Nedbank Cup.

“Also, all the players are excited to play against one of the best teams in the country. We are looking forward to learning a lot from this game, gaining experience, and getting exposure.

“With the squad we have, we can compete against Orlando Pirates because we have been putting in the hard work throughout the week at training. We received a lot of motivation from the technical team, and the club has done it before, beating the likes of SuperSport United and Golden Arrows from the PSL in this tournament.”

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