Photo Credit - Marumo Gallants FC.
Marumo Gallants coach Abdeslam Ouaddou has warned Orlando Pirates not to expect an easy ride when the two sides face off in the Nedbank Cup semi-final fixture.
Following their 4-1 penalty win against second-tier league side Durban City FC, following a 0-0 draw after 120 minutes, Bahlabane Ba Ntwa were drawn to face the Soweto giants, who on the other hand reached the stage following a 5-4 penalty win against SuperSport United.
The Pirates versus SuperSport United quarter-final had ended 2-2 after 120 minutes. The other semi-final fixture will see Kaizer Chiefs, who eliminated Stellenbosch FC 3-1, face either league champions Mamelodi Sundowns or Sekhukhune United, whose tie is yet to be played after it was postponed.
So far this season, Gallants have come up against Pirates twice in the Betway Premiership with the Buccaneers winning the first round meeting 8-1 before Bahlabane ba Ntwa recovered to earn a 2-0 sweet revenge at home in the second round meeting.
With the Buccaneers looking for a third straight Nedbank Cup title, an unprecedented feat in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) era, the Moroccan coach has vowed to end their run for the success when they face off.
“I think my players were disappointed, not about the draw, not because we were drawn against Pirates, but they wanted to play at home,” said Ouaddou on the draw as quoted by FARPost. “That’s why they were disappointed. But there are no easy games. We will play outside [away from home]. We will try to make a surprise again or to surprise people again.”
“I’d like to stop them [from winning three-peat],” he added. “But this is football. I can promise you that we will prepare well and try to give a very good show for the fans most importantly.
“We will try to go and win that game because when you play or reach the semifinals, the goal is to go to the final. We will give everything and give them a hard time as well.”
Dates, kick-off times and match venues for the semifinals will be confirmed by the PSL in due course.
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