Zwane: We’re Ready To End Pirates’ Nedbank Cup Hopes

Kaizer Chiefs Vs Orlando Pirates: Zwane Warns Against Complacency

Kaizer Chiefs coach Arthur Zwane has warned his players against complacency ahead of their Nedbank Cup semi-final clash against Orlando Pirates. The two Soweto giants will face off at the FNB Stadium on Saturday, April 23, with the winner booking their place in the final. Chiefs have already beaten Pirates twice this season, in the league, but Zwane is expecting a different challenge in the cup.

“It’s not going to be easy as everyone thinks,” Zwane said. “Because cup games are totally different to league matches. But as I said, we will treat every game with respect and unfortunately this one is not like any other games – there is a lot at stake. If we want to beat Pirates, we are expected to be on top of them and make sure that we win the game. I think the excitement comes from knowing that we are playing Pirates and they are also doing well, that will be good for South African football as well, because we are also finding our way up. I think it is going to be one game that is very good to watch.”

Chiefs have in fact beaten Pirates in the last five league matches, but Zwane is not taking anything for granted.

“Not really,” he said. “As I said, league and cup games we plan differently. In cup games, you are going to go flat out because you want to score goals as soon as possible, as early as possible in the game. With the league games, sometimes you play mind games, you play a little bit more conservatively. You don’t want to throw in numbers, you always wait for the right moment. Unfortunately, this one we have to be ready and take the game to them and make sure that they are the first ones to make a mistake and capitalize on that.”

The last time these two sides met in the Nedbank Cup was in the 2015/16 season, with Pirates winning 2-0.

Zwane is hoping that his team can avenge that defeat and reach the final.

“We are looking forward to the game,” he said. We know it’s going to be a tough game, but we are confident that we can win. We have a good squad and we are playing well at the moment. We are just going to go there and do our best.”