Orlando Pirates not threatened by new kids on the block

 "Experience will help us through the Nedbank Cup", says Orlando Pirates' defender Abbubaker Mobara

Abbubaker Mobara| Gallo images

Orlando Pirates will try to emulate winning ways when they take on Eastern Cape based, EC Bees in the Nedbank Cup match on Sunday, 11 March.

The two sides will be meeting for the first time as this will be EC Bees' first Nedbank Cup appearance which will be led by Chippa Jongo, meanwhile it will be Kjell Jonevret's first cup since he took over the reigns of Orlando Pirates.

EC Bees FC are among the newest clubs in the Nedbank Cup Last 32 having only been formed in 2013. The team were originally from Tsolo in the Eastern Cape but moved to Bisho as they battled to find suitable playing grounds at home. The club now plays at the Bisho Stadium, though most of the players still come from Tsolo, showcasing the talent in the rural areas of the province. 

The Buccaneers have won the cup 8 times and they will aim to use experience to edge EC Bees.

Pirates defender Abbubaker Mobara said his side is not feeling threatened by the new kids on the block and will be looking forward to coming out with a win which will boost their confidence.

"Experience will be our advantage going into this game and will help us through the duration of the Nedbank Cup," Mobara said.

"Results are more important but our attitude should determine how badly we want it.

"The same way we won back in 2013/14 should help us but we should aim to do even better and the rest will follow suit.

"The new coach (Jonevret) is good, so it's going well so far. It always helps having a coach that is a good friend too. We have all welcomed him with an open heart and mind, and looking forward to playing more under him."

Abbubaker Mobara| P/C: Lee Warren

The winners receive prize money of R6 million and the winner also qualifies for the next season's CAF Confederation Cup.

The results and following fixtures as follows:

SATURDAY, MARCH 11 - Results

Jomo Cosmos 3-0 United Rovers

FC Cape Town 0-2 Baroka FC

KwaDukuza United 2-2 Ajax Cape Town (KwaDukuza United won 4-3 on penalties)

Buya Musthu 0-2 Bloemfontein Celtic 

Free State Stars 2-0 Highlands Park

Stellenbosch FC 0-3 Kaizer Chiefs

SUNDAY, MARCH 12

Golden Arrows v Maritzburg Utd - 15:00

EC Bees FC v Orlando Pirates - 15:00

Acornbush United v Cape Town City - 15:00

Days FC v Mbombela United - 15:00

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15 - Next fixture

Platinum Stars v AmaZulu - 19:30

Chippa United v Witbank Spurs - 19:30

Royal Eagles v SuperSport United - 19:30

Cape Town All Stars v Bidvest Wits - 19:30

The Round of 32 will wrap up on Wednesday, March 15 and the next round which will be Last 16 will be drawn on Thursday, March 16. The draw will be live on TV, SS4 and updates will be made available on social media.

Till next time. . .