Orlando Pirates coach Woody Jacobs expects a tough encounter against Young African on Saturday in the MTC NFA Cup Round of 32 in Mariental, considering the few injuries among his players.
Jacobs told New Era Sport yesterday that the match will be a great test for both teams as it will encourage players to play to the best of their abilities.
“It is a great game against a great team. We will have to play to the best of our abilities if we are to win, but we have been preparing enough for this encounter, and we will approach it with care.
“We know what to expect against a team like that, and we have to work on ways to approach the match. We have a few injuries, but we understand the importance of this game. We will go out with a winning mentality,” he added.
His counterpart Steven Mbaisa said they are aware of what Pirates are capable of, and will thus approach the match differently.
“Pirates are the favourites for the cup after their good run in the transitional league – five games, five wins – and of course we know, them being the bigger club, what to expect. But we will give them a run for their money. We will go in as underdogs and surprise them at the end. We played them twice before and won one and drew one, so we are ready for them.
“We have been ready for the football season since we started. Remember, we are preparing teams for the league proper, so our work started since day one. Whatever game we play, we have been working on our plans since then,” enthused Mbaisa.
The match will kick off at 15h00 at the Mariental Stadium.
Other matches this weekend:
Mariental Stadium
Saturday
Nossob vs BMC at 09h00
Tura Magic vs Atlanta Bucks at 12h00
Oscar Norich Stadium in Tsumeb
Saturday
Newcastle United vs DTS Hopsol at 09h00
Ongwediva City vs Black Africa at 12h00
Robber Chanties vs Citizens at 15h00
Sunday
SFC vs Ohangwena Nampol at 09h00
Khuse Lions vs Oshikuku Young Stars at 12h00
Omulunga Stadium in Grootfontein
Saturday
Supe 11 FC and Kaltes Wasser Football Academy at 09h00
Space Age vs Mighty Gunners at 12h00
Eshoke Chula Chula vs Civics at 15h00
Sunday
Young Brave vs New Poison at 09h00
Western Spurs vs Kangweru Black Tops at 12h00
Sam Nujoma Stadium in Windhoek
Saturday
Julinho Sporting vs Young Brazilians at 09h00
Eleven Arrows vs Blue Waters at 12h00
Young Generations vs Tigers at 15h00
– mkambukwe@nepc.com.na