“Pirates Must Match SuperSport’s Intensity”

Orlando Pirates will have to match SuperSport United’s intensity in their Betway Premiership clash, warned the club’s performance analyst Rayaan Jacobs.

The Buccaneers, who are led by Mandla Ncikazi following the departure of coach Jose Riveiro, face Matsatsantsa at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Tuesday [19:30], in what Jacobs predicts will be a highly motivated contest from their opponents.

With Mamelodi Sundowns having already secured the league title, Pirates are no longer competing for the top spot. Their current objective is to maximize their points tally with three games remaining in their league campaign.

Conversely, the Tshwane-based side, SuperSport, is battling to avoid relegation play-offs, currently sitting in 14th place with 26 points.

Jacobs stressed that Pirates must equal SuperSport’s motivation, recognizing that a team fighting to escape the relegation zone will likely play with fierce determination.

“SuperSport is going to be highly motivated to compete with us,” said Jacobs.

“They always do, whenever we face SuperSport, it’s a tough encounter. We know what to face, it’s a big team, it’s a strong team. They’re physical, they don’t give away anything in the duels.”

He reiterated, “We have to match SuperSport’s motivation, and that is the bottom line. They are going to come out fighting; every encounter we have against SuperSport is a tough encounter.”

Despite acknowledging the formidable challenge SuperSport poses, Jacobs asserted that Pirates will be competitive and will not make it an easy game for their opponents.

“They are physical in the duels. Every chance they get, they’re putting balls into the box. You’re going to need to defend and be competitive,” he stated.

“Like we said, we are on opposite ends of the table, but we have to match their motivation, we have to go into the game knowing there is a possibility to increase our points on the table and make sure we don’t make the night easy for them.”