Exclusive: Former Pirates Captain Believes Buccaneers Will Prove Too Strong for Polokwane

Former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi predicts Orlando Pirates to win 2-0 against Polokwane City in the MTN 8 quarterfinal at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday. 

Pirates to win 2-0

There are very few football stadiums around the country that are as intimidating for an away team as Orlando Pirates' Orlando Stadium in Soweto, Johannesburg.

The design of the stadium and the way it captures the loud cheers of the Buccaneer fans can easily derail an opposition team.

This is what Polokwane City will be up against on Saturday when they take on Orlando Pirates in the MTN 8 quarterfinals.

On the pitch, Polokwane City will be up against a side that has won the trophy four times in the last five seasons, with three of those trophies coming in the last three seasons.

In an exclusive interview with SportsBom.co.za, former Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi believes that Orlando Pirates will walk away with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.

Taking into account the fact that this will be the first game of the season for the Buccaneers and their fans at Orlando Stadium, Lekgwathi believes that the stars are aligning for Orlando Pirates to put on a dominant performance.

However, the 48-year-old understands that Polokwane City will be up for the challenge given that they have beaten Pirates twice and drawn eight times in 20 fixtures.

"Look, this is not going to be an easy game. It's going to be a tough game. Who's winning it? I'll give it to Orlando Pirates as the defending champions," predicted Lekgwathi in an exclusive interview with SportsBoom.co.za.

"Playing at home, they won't want to disappoint their supporters. It's the first game of the season, everyone wants to prove a point, and winning the MTN 8 gives you the opportunity to challenge for another piece of silverware."

"You win the MTN 8, then you have the opportunity to win the league, then the Nedbank Cup later on in the season. So, this one I'm giving to Orlando Pirates 2-0."

The change of guard at Pirates

Going into the new season, there have been multiple changes in the Orlando Pirates camp with new player signings, including that of the Gqeberha-born Sinoxolo Kwayiba.

Read: Exclusive with new Pirates signing Sinoxolo Kwayiba

Perhaps the more groundbreaking changes have been that of the departure of Jose Riveiro, who has won multiple trophies at Orlando Pirates over the last few years, with Abdeslam Ouaddou being announced as his successor. 

Also, in the leadership positions, Nkosinathi Sibisi is set to captain while teenager Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been announced as vice-captain.

Mbokazi's appointment sent the country into a frenzy due to the excitement factor that comes with the talented youngster in terms of skill and the composure he possesses in high-pressure situations.

Lekgwathi reckons the appointments of Sibisi and Mbokazi are warranted as Pirates begin what is a new chapter this season.

"
If you recall, in 2003, who was the youngest captain ever to captain Orlando Pirates? It was Mbulelo Mabizela, and he went on to win the league. So, why not Mbokazi? Looking at the way he plays, he is a fighter. Yes, he's young and he still has a lot to learn, but sometimes as a youngster you must take responsibility," Lekgwathi told SportsBoom.co.za.

"They gave him the opportunity to lead the team, he must just grab it with both hands. Players must make sure they support him because, inside the field, all players are captains."

"The only difference is that the final decision is going to come from the guy who wears the captain's armband. I just want to wish both captain and vice-captain good luck."