Last week, the two bitter rivals met in the first of two Soweto derbies within the space of a week, with Pirates claiming the bragging rights thanks to a 2–1 win at the FNB Stadium.

On Saturday, the Buccaneers will be aiming for a sixth consecutive victory over the Amakhosi, and a third consecutive Nedbank Cup title – a feat that would make them the first team in 50 years to achieve this.

Deon Hotto. Photo: Morgan Piek

Buccaneers and Bafana Bafana midfielder Thalente Mbatha said the team needs to start the final much stronger, and not give the Amakhosi a sniff.

“I believe we’ve been preparing well as a team, and for us, it’s about starting the game better than we did last time – in the league match,” said the defensive midfielder.

“In most of our finals, the opposition tends to score first. It’s something that’s been troubling us, and we believe the team is working on turning that around by trying to score first.”

This will be coach Jose Riveiro’s final Soweto derby, and the team will be eager to secure a sixth win on the trot in this fierce rivalry.

Mbatha added that the focus must remain on winning a third straight Nedbank Cup title, rather than on their coach’s impending departure.

“For us, that’s not something we’re worried about. We’re just focusing on the games as they come. It’s important not to let those thoughts creep in, as they could affect our performance going into the matches.

Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I believe he’s a very professional coach. He’s staying focused and doing his job, and we as players must continue doing ours.”

Pirates are on the brink of becoming the first team to clinch a hat-trick of Nedbank Cup titles in the PSL era. They were also the last team to win three consecutive South African Cup titles – the last being in 1975, when they beat Kaizer Chiefs 2–1.

Saturday’s big final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium kicks off at 15:30.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg