GOLDEN Arrows coach Clinton Larsen reckons his young side is now stronger and wiser than the team that went down twice to Orlando Pirates at Orlando Stadium last season.
Tonight Abafana Bes’thende will be seeking their first three points against Bucs at this venue since 28 October 2015 when they triumphed 2-0. The Absa Premiership clash kicks off at 7.30pm.
Larsen believes his charges will be able to beat the Buccaneers in their own backyard this time. He said his players had gained a lot of experience since the two last met at Orlando Stadium last October when Pirates won 2-1.
Said Larsen: “A year, 12 months, is a long time. My players are more confident and experienced now than when they last played at Orlando Stadium just over 12 months ago. We are definitely up for the fight against them. A lot has happened since then, like the fact that we beat Pirates at home in our last league match last season.
“I don’t think Pirates’ technical team will allow any complacency to set in for their players. I always remind my players to remain humble at all times. We respect Pirates and we will give it our best. I believe we can beat them.”
Both teams go into this match having lost their previous games to Tshwane outfits. Arrows lost 3-0 to SuperSport United and Pirates were beaten 3-1 by Mamelodi Sundowns.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic mentor said they would welcome back full-back Lehlohonolo Nonyane for this match. Nonyane has yet to kick a ball this season due to injury. Larsen says the left-footed player has fully recovered and is raring to go against Pirates.
