Majoro: Desire, not tactics, will decide clash

ORLANDO Pirates head into today’s MINS semifinal second leg against Mamelodi Sundowns knowing exactly what is at stake - and former Bafana Bafana striker Lehlohonolo Majoro believes hunger and desire, rather than tactics, will ultimately decide who advances to the final.

- SMISO MSOMI

The defending champions salvaged a 1-1 draw in the first leg at Orlando Stadium, a result that keeps the tie delicately poised ahead of the decisive clash at the Lucas Moripe Stadium at 3pm.

Sundowns hold the slender advantage thanks to their away goal, but Pirates’ late equaliser kept the contest alive and set the stage for another tense battle between two heavyweights.

“Both teams showed hunger in the first leg for that match and I saw it as an open game because it was end to end,” Majoro told Independent newspapers.

“Pirates showed why they’re the reigning champions of the MTN8 by not giving up and getting an equaliser.”

The Buccaneers have developed a reputation as knockout specialists in recent years, lifting the MTN8 in consecutive seasons and often saving their best for the big stage.