Pirates wary of unpredictable Marumo Gallants

Orlando Pirates coach Joseph Makhanya has warned his charges not to take light Marumo Gallants when these two sides meet in a DStv Diski Challenge match.

On Saturday, the two sides face off in the Diski Challenge festival billed at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto.

Kick Off is at 12:00, CAT.

Pirates are heading to this match unbeaten in five matches, where they registered three victories and two draws. On the flip side, unpredictable Gallants won three and lost two in their last five outings.

With the title race reaching the climax, Pirates must win at all costs to keep their dream of winning the title alive.

With five games remaining before the Diski Challenge curtain shut down, Pirates SuperSport United and Cape Town City FC are in a three-horse race.

SuperSport are leading the pack with 55 points. City are second with 54, and Pirates occupy third place with 53 points.

"We are facing a very difficult opponent. They have caused upset, they are not an easy team to face. Sometimes their motivational factor comes into place when they played the so-called big teams," noted Makhanya.

"It is very tricky for us. When you look at the log standings, their results are not so consistent. You cannot rely on their past performances. Furthermore, playing against us, their players will also want to prove a point, but we are guarding against complacency.

Makhanya added: "It's a game of 90 minutes which needs us to respect them. You know underdogs they always rise to the occasion but our players are aware that they cannot underestimate their opponents."

Gallants are heading to the weekend clash sitting in position 11 in the Diski Challenge table.