Orlando Pirates head into Saturday’s clash needing victory to move within touching distance of a first league title since the 2011/12 season. Pirates are also chasing a potential domestic treble, adding even more pressure to an already emotionally charged afternoon in Soweto.
For Durban City, the stakes are different but still significant. The newly crowned Nedbank Cup champions are currently seventh on the table and still fighting to secure a top-eight finish. Victory over Pirates could even lift them into sixth place heading into the final stretch of the campaign.
DURBAN CITY’S THABO NODADA EXPECTS HOSTILE ATMOSPHERE
Nodada believes the atmosphere inside Orlando Stadium could be one of the toughest environments his side has faced this season.
“We’re not going to enjoy that game, we’re not. I mean, I saw a record…,” Nodada told journalists during the club’s Nedbank Cup celebrations.
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“I think they said the stadium is sold out on a Tuesday,” he told journalists. The former Cape Town City FC midfielder appeared stunned by the scale of the occasion, especially with Durban City suddenly finding themselves involved in the title race narrative.
“Look, to be even in the position we are in, you know, why us? Why do you come from a Nedbank Cup final, and then you have a chance to decide something that’s so far out of your reach, you know?”
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ORLANDO PIRATES LOOK TO COMPLETE THE JOB
Despite acknowledging the pressure surrounding the fixture, Nodada insisted Durban City would still approach the encounter believing they can compete.
“It’s 90 minutes. We will go there, we will do our best. If our best is better than their best, then good luck to them,” he said.
Orlando Pirates will head into the clash as favourites after beating Durban City 2-0 earlier this season at the Moses Mabhida Stadium through goals from Evidence Makgopa and Patrick Maswanganyi.
The Buccaneers also carry strong momentum into the encounter after going 11 league matches unbeaten. But with Durban City arriving fresh from lifting the Nedbank Cup, Pirates know there will be no easy path to finally ending their long wait for league glory.
