Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki has outlined how the Soweto giants plan to stop Peter Shalulile on Saturday when they meet Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 semi-final first leg on Saturday.
Xoki and company are aware of the threat posed by Shalulile.
Last season, the Namibian hitman almost broke Collins Mbesuma’s 25 goal record in the DStv Premiership, however fell short by two goals.
The 27-year-old says focus will not only be to tie down Shalulile, but on the entire Sundowns squad as they aim to cut down the supply to Shalulile and try playing the match as per coach’s instructions and tactics.
XOKI REVEALS THE BUCS PLAN
“We have to appreciate his qualities, he’s done well for his club, scored goals for his team,” Xoki told the media.
“He doesn’t do it alone, the guys give him the supply so we have to make sure we starve the support to him as much as we can.
“We have to deal with all other guys, it’s not only him who can hurt you. We just have to focus on that as a collective, not focus sorely on him.
“We have played against him in many games, so we know the type of player he is.”
Xoki further believes the Masandawana clash is the biggest match for them so far this season.
The Tshwane giants are the holders of every domestic trophy after winning a treble last season.
“It will be a good test for us to see how far we can go, we know they are the current defending champions,” added Xoki.
“For us, we know we want to go all the way, for us to go all they way we have to beat everyone on front of us.
“It’s no different if it was the other opponents, but you have to face the defending champions given the respect they deserve.
“We going to the game knowing that we want to win we want to go all the way.”
Kick off at Orlando Stadium is at 15:30.
