Hunt Acknowledges In-Form Pirates Threat Ahead Of Showdown

Durban City coach Gavin Hunt says his side has its work cut out to stop Orlando Pirates, who he believes are the form team in the league at the moment.

City will host Pirates in a Betway Premiership clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday, where a win for the Buccaneers will send them to the top of the standings.

Pirates are currently level on top with 25 points with Mamelodi Sundowns after 11 matches, but the Soweto giants have a game in hand. Sundowns, unlike Pirates, will not be in domestic league action this weekend as they face MC Alger in the CAF Champions League later on Friday in Algeria.

A Pirates victory will see them go top. For City, who sit seventh with 19 points from 13 matches, a win could lift them to either third or fourth, depending on other results.

“When you play against clubs with a big support base, it is always very difficult,” said Hunt.

“Even though it is our home game, there will certainly be more of their supporters, which is normal.

“If you look at the form guide, they are certainly in good form at the moment. They have strengthened their squad by bringing in two or three very strong players.

“They strengthen their squad every season. But with that said, it’s important for us to concentrate and give our best. I know we will, just as we have in every game.

“We have been good this season, especially for a newly promoted club. To be competing in these types of matches on equal footing is important, and we want to take a step forward every game and give the best account of ourselves.

“At the end of the first round, we will assess where we are.”

Before the season pauses for the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco next month, City will play their final match against Orbit College at Olympia Park Stadium on 3 December.