This all important clash kicks-off in the evening from 8pm.
Although the boys have done enough by reaching the finals- the only team in SA to qualify for the League Champs twice- Bucs are expected to emulate the 1995 squad that won the Cup against TP Mazembe, thus being decorated with the first Star on the jersey.
The Saturday’s war will prove if Bucs are hungry enough to add the second Star on the left side of their jersey.
On the team sheets, Bucs has been boosted by the return of goal-minder Brighton Mhlongo, Sifiso Myeni, Happy Jele and Rooi Mahamutsa have all recovered from their respective injuries.
Me thinks caretaker coach Eric “Twinkle” Tinkler should be appointed on permanent basis -as we previously reported- he has done all a good and tactical leader should and stands for.
Since the club chairman Dr Irvin “The Iron Duke” Khoza is also behind him-when fans were baying for his blood- he should do the right thing. Tinkler’s resume speaks volume or kanjani?
Meanwhile, Bucs are reported to receive at least R6-million in prize money after their CAF Confederations Cup final against Etoile du Sahel.
Pirates’ pursuit of the CAF Confederations Cup could largely be for the pride and prestige that comes with lifting the trophy, but it is worth noting that they will also receive approximately R9-million if they finish as champions.
The winners of the CAF Confederations Cup receive a US $625 000 (approximately R8,9 million) cheque along with the trophy and 30 gold medals, while also proceeding to play in the CAF Super Cup final against CAF Champions League winners TP Mazembe before the end of February next year.
If Pirates end up as the losing finalists, they will then recieve US $432 000 (approximately R6,1 million), and will also be handed the traditional 30 runners-up medals.
While the expenses that come with travelling across the continent might be heavy and eventually stifle the prize-money, Pirates have still shown their desire to earn South Africa the respect that it deserves on the continent.
On the domestic scene, The Bucs are already guaranteed of R750 000 (plus R250 000) for finishing off as Telkom KnockOut semi-finalists, while they also have a cheque of R800 000, which is given to all teams that participate in, but fail to win, the MTN8 trophy.
At time of publishing there few tickets left.
Expect black and white hovering all over the stadium.
Good luck Bhakabhaka…
*As part of supporting Bucs, we’re giving away 5DOUBLE TICKETS to the game.
To win, forward your name and contacts details before end of business day at info@sowetolifmag.co.za or sydney@sowetolifemag.co.za
