CAPE TOWN – Cape Town City are bracing themselves for the blockbuster showdown when they host Orlando Pirates in the MT8 semi-final first leg.
The Citizens are no strangers in this competition having won in the 2018/19 season under coach Benni McCarthy.
Eric Tinklers will lock horns with the Soweto giants at DHL Stadium on Tuesday night.
Facing the media on Thursday ahead of the clash, Tinkler believes the only way to tackle the match against the Pirates is to put up a brave performance on the day.
“I think that’s very important obviously, it’s a big club that we’re playing against, the Orlando Pirates. Obviously, a team that over the past couple of seasons has won this competition,” said Tinkler.
“This competition is not going to be easy, but we’re going to go out there, back ourselves, play with a lot of confidence, and have a lot of self-belief. We look to take the game to them. We’ve got to go out there and play without fear.
“So far, I think the preparation has actually been very good and I think the players are actually looking forward to the opportunity to play against such a big club like Pirates, so it won’t be easy. We know it’s going to be tough, it’s going to be about who wants it the most.”
Tinkler added that playing a team like Pirates is a motivation itself to do better.
He has acknowledged the qualities the Bucs have however he believes the results could go to anyone on the day.
“They get massive support, they get a massive crowd, but on a personal note, I’ve always felt full of the stadium, whether it’s your spectators or the opposition spectators, it makes you raise your game to another level,” he said.
“So I don’t think that plays an effect. I think the fact that obviously still in this competition away goals count. So it’s very, very important to keep that clean sheet, especially when you’re playing at home.
“So I think that’s got to be the primary factor for us to make sure that we give ourselves more than a chance when we go away from home.
“They’ve got so many qualities, they’ve got a massive squad to choose from. Their preparation has been exceptional, obviously being able to go to Spain and play against the type of opposition that they’ve played.”
Image: @CapeTownCityFC/ Twitter.