SEKHUKHUNE United coach Papi Zothwane says his players must forget their past pain against Orlando Pirates when the sides clash in the Carling Knockout Cup quarter finals on Saturday.
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Babina Noko face a tough test against the defending champions at Orlando Amstel Arena, having already lost to the Buccaneers three times this season.
Pirates have beaten Sekhukhune twice in cup competitions and once in the Betway Premiership this campaign.
But Zothwane believes cup football is a different battle. He wants his players to show belief, fight and a winning mentality.
The Sekhukhune coach said preparations have gone well, although he knows Pirates will be dangerous, especially at home.
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“It’s an opportunity for us to be in this cup and advance into the semi-finals. Preparations are going very, very well. We know the type of team we are playing against. Pirates are in good form and hardly lose at the Arena. We are very much aware of our past results against them, but I always say cup games are about who wants it the most,” said Zothwane.
Zothwane believes the match gives his players a chance to show what they can do against one of the biggest teams in the country. He said his technical team have worked on building confidence in the squad while also making sure they understand Pirates’ strengths and weaknesses.
“Our job as coaches is to make players believe in themselves, give them confidence and freedom to express themselves. I think our players have done that in previous games. You can’t dwell on the past based on what happened in previous results against Orlando Pirates. It’s a new game, with different personnel and different energy. They know what to expect,” he said.
Zothwane also wants leadership from his players in what is expected to be a noisy and intimidating atmosphere. With Pirates backed by their passionate home fans, he said his players must take responsibility on the pitch instead of waiting for instructions from the touchline.
“The Arena gets packed, and sometimes I don’t even hear myself shouting at players from the touchline. They have to take ownership on the field and responsibility among themselves. Leadership is what we are looking for in this game. They have to express themeselves and enjoy the occasion. It is good for them and good for the team. It will be even better if we advance to the semi-finals,” Zothwane added.
