Orlando Pirates will be determined to bounce back to winning ways when they host Casric Stars in the Nedbank Cup Round of 16 encounter at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Saturday.
Kick-off is at 6pm CAT.
CURRENT FORM
The Buccaneers are still reeling after their 14-match unbeaten run across all competitions was ended by Mamelodi Sundowns, who emerged as 2-1 winners in a top-of-the-log Betway Premiership clash on Wednesday, and Bucs were also on a four-match winning streak.
Having already clinched the MTN8 and Carling Knockout this term, Pirates' bid to clinch the quadruple is on track as they are still placed at the top of the league standings and a win over Casric would see them advance to the quarterfinals of the local FA Cup.
Standing in Bucs' way is a confident Casric side, who are mounting a serious challenge for promotion in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, but they drew 2-2 with Hungry Lions in their most recent game to extend their unbeaten run to seven matches across all competitions.
The Believers reached this stage of the Nedbank Cup after overcoming ABC Motsepe League (North West) outfit Army Rockets, and the Mpumalanga-based side will be hoping to reach the quarterfinals for the first time in their history with an upset win over wounded Pirates.
TEAM NEWS
Pirates have several players sidelined due to injuries, namely, Thabiso Lebitso, Sihle Nduli, Tapelo Xoki sand Selaelo Rasebotja, while the Soweto giants are sweating over the fitness of Kamogelo Sebelebele, who picked an injury in the game against Sundowns.
Casric, on the other hand, have been boosted by the return of Lelethu Skelem from a long-term injury, and the former Stellenbosch FC attacker provided an assist in the win over Rockets.
WHAT WAS SAID?
Orlando Pirates head Abdeslam Ouaddou
"We know that Casric Stars is a very competitive team, playing in the (First Division) championship. They have demonstrated their capabilities this season, scoring 20 goals while only conceding 15," Ouaddou said.
"It is essential for us to take this game seriously. A so-called small team can challenge you if you don't put in the effort or the commitment and seriousness."
Casric Stars head coach Bucs Mthombeni
"I know that it's difficult to play Pirates at Orlando because if you can look at the results. I think they don't lose the games when they play at Orlando and secondly, I think the supporters, the supporters I think they come in numbers," Mthombeni said.
"And then I think the coach, I think [...] never even so far we lose the game there, but on the day there the football doesn't have a referee, if you can go there and just stick to our game plan and do not have any fear I think anything can happen."
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first-ever meeting between Orlando Pirates and Casric Stars.