The two sides’ fortunes could not be more contrasting and this encounter, on paper at least, looks like a total mismatch. While Pirates are strong favourites to walk away with the premiership title next month , United can barely keep their heads above the water in a division below the top flight.
But wily Pirates coach Rudi Krol has been around long enough to know that this cup competition has a nasty habit of churning out surprises every year and the Bucs could be embarrassed if they take their opponents lightly.
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Anonymous lower-tier sides like United FC have few opportunities to shine and the Nedbank Cup — which is the only competition on the domestic calendar that allows top- flight, first division and amateur sides to compete in the same event — usually presents them with a priceless window to market their players to audiences they would ordinarily not be able to reach.
Krol said he would never underestimate any team in SA or allow himself to be misled by the fact that his opponents were playing in the lower tier.
"Underestimating them is exactly what makes them dangerous," the Dutchman said.
While United have had no trouble compiling intelligence on Pirates, Krol conceded that there was hardly any information on his minnow opponents. First-division matches are hardly ever televised by SuperSport and the SABC, and Krol said this was making his life difficult.
"They (United) are hardly ever on television but hopefully I should be able to compile some sort of information by the time we play them."
United certainly have the potential to surprise as they have experienced campaigners within their ranks who will not be intimidated by the prospect of facing Pirates.
Former Pirates midfielder Thembile Kanono will be expected to provide inspiration against a side he left in 2009 without ever scaling the heights many had predicted.
Kanono might feel Krol never gave him a chance and may be desperate to prove a point to the Dutchman tomorrow.
He will be surrounded by other players who will also be desperate to prove that they are not finished and could still offer something to premiership sides who are in the market for players.
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Junior Khanye has been telling anyone who will listen that he is not finished and could even force his way back into the national team.
The nation’s soccer lovers might chuckle at the very suggestion after a checkered past that saw him dumped by a succession of clubs because of ill-discipline. But Khanye no doubt is a talented player and may still be able to surprise if Pirates do not do their homework properly.
Former Bafana striker Lungisani Ndlela completes a rather formidable unit that could provide an upset, given the chance. United coach Ashwin Sutton did not hide the fact that he was counting on Pirates arriving in Bloemfontein with their focus more on trying to win the league rather than winning the Nedbank Cup.
Krol hinted that he may give many of his fringe players a run and Sutton may well get his wish if the Pirates coach tampers too much with his usual starting line-up.
In another Nedbank Cup last-16 match that should be peppered with tension and intrigue, Witbank Spurs will face neighbours Witbank Aces in a Mpumalanga derby on Sunday.
Aces coach Mark Harrison insisted yesterday that bragging rights would be at stake when the two sides meet.
WEEKEND’S NEDBANK CUP LAST 16
Tomorrow: Platinum Stars vs Vasco Da Gama at Royal Bafokeng (3pm), United FC vs Orlando Pirates at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium (8:15pm)
Sunday: Baroka FC vs Moroka Swallows at Peter Mokaba Stadium (3pm), Witbank Spurs vs Black Aces at Puma Rugby Stadium (3pm)
ntlokom@bdfm.co.za
Source -http://BusinessDay.co.za
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