Xoki: Pirates’ Big-Game Experience Key To Nedbank Cup Final

Orlando Pirates defender Thapelo Xoki believes their experience in high-stakes matches against formidable opponents such as Al Ahly, MC Alger, and Mamelodi Sundowns will be crucial in managing emotions during the Nedbank Cup final.
Pirates are set to clash with Kaizer Chiefs in the Ke Yona Cup final at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.
They enter the derby with an advantage stemming from their exposure to tough opposition throughout the season, coupled with having achieved a league double over Chiefs.
Notably, Pirates also secured a league double over Chiefs last season, a feat last accomplished during Ruud Krol’s tenure at the club. Their recent league victory over Chiefs further underscores their dominance in this rivalry.
Unlike Chiefs, the Buccaneers have navigated a challenging campaign that includes an impressive away victory against Al Ahly in Cairo during the CAF Champions League, as well as wins against CR Belouizdad and MC Alger in Algeria.
This marked their return to the Champions League group stages for the first time since the 2018/19 season. Furthermore, they topped their Champions League group and secured an early goals victory against Sundowns, who have reached the Champions League final, in a league encounter this season.
Adding to their recent successes, Pirates clinched the MTN8 title in October against Stellenbosch at the Durban venue, marking their third consecutive “Wafa Wafa” Cup triumph.
In contrast, Chiefs have displayed inconsistent form domestically and face the threat of missing out on a top-eight finish for the second consecutive year.
Xoki emphasizes that Pirates’ experience in high-pressure games, unlike Chiefs’ recent trajectory, has been beneficial in building crucial experience.
“It [winning big games] helps in gaining experience from the group,” Xoki stated.
“We have a lot of young players in the group, and they’ve been exposed to these types of games of late.
“It helps them and everyone at the club in terms of how to prepare for these games, what to expect and what to deliver on the day.
“So, everyone knows what is expected of them. We don’t have to carry anyone trying to motivate them for the game, but everyone knows what the task at hand is.
“So, it helps to have that experience when it comes to these types of games.”
While Pirates have conceded the Betway Premiership title chase to Sundowns, who require just four points from their remaining three matches (provided Pirates win all theirs), the Buccaneers reached the semi-finals of the Champions League, ultimately losing to Pyramids.
In the two-legged tie against the Egyptian side, who will now face Sundowns in the Champions League final, Pirates had opportunities to progress but were undone by set-pieces. Set-piece vulnerabilities were also evident in their recent league defeat to Sekhukhune United at home, a result that further hampered their chances of catching Sundowns in the league race.
“Certainly, yes, we have conceded goals from set-plays, but that doesn’t diminish the hard work that has been put in throughout the season,” Xoki acknowledged.
“Apart from the last few games, we have been one of the best defensive sides in terms of set-plays. We now need to focus on the finer details, on the minor issues that we need to iron out. We know we have conceded in crucial games, but we will go back to what we have done throughout the season.”