ORLANDO Pirates defender, Tapelo Xoki, says they have what it takes to end Mamelodi Sundowns’ 13 straight DStv Premiership wins on the trot when they meet at Orlando Stadium on Saturday (3.30pm).
Downs are gunning for their own 2015-16 season record when they won the title with 22 wins under then coach, Pitso Mosimane when the Brazilians set the record for the highest points attained having accumulated 71.
However, Xoki said that if they apply their game plan properly, nothing will stop them from bringing Rhulani Mokwena’s side down to earth. Bucs are 24 points behind Downs, sitting in fourth position on 28 points from 18 matches.
But Pirates have two games in hand.
However, Jose Riveiro’s Pirates still have scars from Downs’ ruthlessness when they beat them 2-0 just before the new year.
Xoki said they’ve got a team that can surely beat Sundowns.
“We have done it before, so we just have to apply ourselves correctly and do the right things,” he said.
But he insists they won’t approach the match with revenge in mind as that will be suicidal.
Said Xoki: “We can’t play that game anymore. It’s now behind us. As I said, we need to apply ourselves correctly. We are in good form now, and we have to try to continue with that.
“We can’t really go back to what happened in the past. We are just looking forward to the game on Saturday.”
However, the 28-year-old is aware that their defence will need to be alert for the entire match if they are to slow down the speeding Brazilians train eager to lift the title.
Pirates are still eyeing to finish second in a bid to qualify for the Caf Champions League.
“We are a team that is a work in progress,” Xoki said.
“We have our ambitions, but this is a game that means everything to us to keep the momentum we’ve built so far. We have to apply all our energy in that game, so it’s what we all looking forward to now. Sundowns have the most goals (38) in the league, conceded the least goals (7), so they are a balanced team.
“We need to nullify their threats and expose their weaknesses. We can never give up, until the last game we will keep fighting.”
Xoki is delighted to have reunited with Makhehleni Makhaula, who joined Pirates from AmaZulu during the last day of the transfer window yesterday. “I know he is a good leader. He is one of the hard guys in the league. We hope to have good times with him,” he added.
