Nodada Braces For “Uncomfortable” Pirates Title Decider
Durban City midfielder Thabo Nodada is not looking forward to facing Orlando Pirates at Orlando Amstel Arena in the Betway Premiership on Saturday — and for several reasons.
During his time with Cape Town City, whom he left at the end of last season following their relegation, Nodada never managed to win at the iconic Soweto venue. However, he scored twice against Pirates in his career.
Interestingly, in every match in which Nodada scored against Pirates at Orlando Amstel Arena, his side ended up with a draw.
In the 13 matches Nodada has played against Pirates, he has won only four times, with all those victories coming in Cape Town, including a 1-0 win in January last season during Muhsin Ertugral’s short stint in charge.
Durban City, who have punched above their weight this season and already secured the Nedbank Cup trophy, will face a Pirates side hungry for success on Saturday, with the venue already sold out in anticipation of a potential league title celebration.
Pirates will host the Durban-based side knowing that a win will be enough to secure the Betway Premiership title for the first time since the 2011/12 season, completing what would be the club’s third treble in the PSL era.
Pirates also achieved trebles in the 2010/11 and 2011/12 seasons, with Durban City — then known as Maritzburg United — playing a role in the title race by drawing with Ajax Cape Town in Cape Town on the final day of the season of 2010/11 campaign.
“We’re not going to enjoy that game — we’re really not. I saw a report saying the stadium was sold out on Tuesday,” Nodada confessed.
“But look, to even be in the position we are in … why us?
“You come from a Nedbank Cup final and then suddenly have the chance to decide something that feels so far out of your reach.
“But football is football. It’s 90 minutes. We’ll go there and do our best. If our best is better than theirs, then good luck to them.”
The 31-year-old, who looks set to start the match on Saturday, has featured in 27 matches in all competitions for City, scoring one goal.
