Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is under no illusions as he prepares his side to face a spirited Milford outfit in the Carling Knockout Round of 16 at the Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night.
Kick-off is at 7:00pm (CAT, GMT+2).
CURRENT FORM
While Pirates go into their next tie on the back of CAF Champions League qualification by way of a 5-0 aggregate win over African Stars this past weekend, the Soweto giants are second in the Betway Premiership after notching up 22 points from eight matches, one point behind log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns with a game in hand.
Following a 3-0 win over TS Galaxy in their last league outing, Pirates extended their winning streak in the league to six matches as they search to win their second consecutive Betway Premiership crown.
Not far behind, Milford currently find themselves in fourth position in the Betway Premiership on 15 points after securing a 1-0 win against Golden Arrows on 17 October.
The win left Milford sitting seven points behind Pirates and unbeaten in their last four outings, as they jotted down two wins and two draws during this period.
WHAT WAS SAID
Speaking on Pirates' Carling Knockout duty against Milford, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou revealed that he expects a tough match from a side that is ‘well-coached’ technically and physically.
“The advantage, the positive point, is that we’re playing at home, but I think it will be a difficult game. Ouaddou said.
“If you remember when we played Milford in the first game of the season, I said there are not many teams that will beat them.
“They have shown resilience, and they have shown a lot of confidence. They’re a well-coached team, very disciplined, very organised. They can run as well, so it’s not going to be an easy game.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Orlando Pirates: Boitumelo Radiopane – As one of Pirates' most recent scorers in the Betway Premiership, Radiopane will head into the upcoming game beaming with confidence. After being rested during the club’s CAF duties, the 24-year-old could well be given a go once more as he hopes to add to his three goals for the campaign.
Milford: Menzi Chili – Chili has been a crucial figure for Milford this season while he serves as the club’s creative force in the middle of the park. With Milford expected to face a well-drilled Pirates midfield, much of Milford’s success will depend on Chili’s showing on the ball, particularly in the final third.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
This will be the first Cup meeting between the two sides.