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SHARP ARROWS AIMED AT BUCS!

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Thabo Rakhale must regain his lost form .    Photo by  Backpagepix
Thabo Rakhale must regain his lost form . Photo by Backpagepix

ORLANDO PIRATES winger, Thabo Rakhale, believes home ground advantage is vital to overcome rejuvenated Golden Arrows in the first round of the Telkom Knockout.

The teams will battle it out at Orlando Stadium today (3pm).

Rakhale is aware it won’t be an easy passage to the quarterfinals as Arrows are eager to avenge the 3-1 defeat in their first league match of the season.

Arrows have since bounced back from that setback and went on to win four league games with one draw. They occupy second spot, tied with leaders Kaizer Chiefs on 13 points.

Said Rakhale: “This will be a difficult one, considering that Arrows are performing well and we’re struggling a bit.

“We’re aware Arrows won’t use the same approach when we beat them. Our fans will be our 12th man on the pitch to boost our confidence.”

Rakhale revealed they’ve learnt from their below-par performances that saw them draw 1-1 with Polokwane City in their last league game.

He’s positive they will end the dry spell that saw them fail to win a single trophy last season.

“We didn’t execute instructions the way the coach wanted against City.

“I believe we’ll be different this time around. It’s been a while since we won something and we’ll go all out to make our fans proud. We also need to help Tendai Ndoro as he has been the only one scoring goals (six goals) this season.”

Arrows assistant coach, Mandla Ncikazi, said an early goal is key to ensure they progress further in the competition.

Ncikazi told SunSport: “I think we have a team that can do better than the first game we played against them.

“Despite injuries to Lerato Lamola, Vuyani Ntanga and Lehlohonolo Nonyane, I think we are stronger than we were the last time. I have confidence in the team, and players understand each other better.”

Added Ncikazi: “When we started the season we had a lot of new players who needed time to gel together. Signs are there now because the team’s performance has improved. Pirates are a big team and we can’t undermine them.

“They pose a serious threat, irrespective of their poor performance lately. We need to minimise our mistakes and throw everything at them while cautious to avoid conceding goals. I hope we’ll score first and have a good game.”

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