Orlando Pirates defender Tapelo Xoki has issued a strong message on the club’s youngsters, insisting they are “not here by chance” as the Buccaneers prepare for Saturday’s blockbuster MTN8 final against Mamelodi Sundowns at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
Addressing the media at the Orlando Pirates media open day on Monday, Xoki moved in to allay fears of the Buccaneers youngsters becoming star-struck at meeting Sundowns icons. The Buccaneers coach, Abdeslam Ouaddou, has rising stars in his squad, as well as players who have never played a cup final in professional football.
Kabelo Kgositsile, Simphiwe Selepe, Simphiwe Masilela, Mpho Padime and Sbangani Zulu are among the greenhorns Ouaddou could give a run-out.
Midfielders Thapelo Mokobodi and Mthetheleli Mthiyane were losing finalists with Stellenbosch FC last season when the Soweto giants lifted their fourth straight MTN8 crown. But the magnitude of this year’s final could be overwhelming now that they are with Pirates
TAPELO XOKI BACKS PIRATES YOUNGSTERS TO RISE TO THE BLOCKBUSTER MTN8 FINAL
Making it a huge occasion for Pirates is that they will be coming up against a team that recently won the FIFA African-Asian-Pacific Cup after beating Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli. The weight of expectations on the Buccaneers also comes from fans wanting the team to lift a fifth straight MTN8 title.
That makes it a game of a lifetime for some Pirates youngsters and those playing a cup final for the first team in their professional careers. But Xoki has backed them not to melt in the heat of the occasion.
“They are not at this stage by chance; they have worked hard, they have earned their stripes, and the club has entrusted them with the roles and responsibilities of representing the club. For us, it is to always remind them of that,” Xoki told journalists.
“Their game is taking them to this stage, and they are now in a week where some of them will play their first final. But they are not exposed.
“There are guys who have played these finals; there are guys who are going to guide them on the day. There is also the coaching staff who are experienced enough to know what’s required and what to say to them.
“So, they are not exposed, if we put it like that. But they are ready. Everyone who wears a Pirates jersey is ready. It’s years of preparation, years of sacrifice. The moment is just for them to take.”
RELATED STORY: Pirates coach Ouaddou coy on Nkota and two other stars for MTN8 final
