Pirates ‘focused, hungry’ to end CKO Cup drought

THERE is a familiar, almost ritualistic intensity that envelopes a camp preparing for a cup final. For Orlando Pirates, that intensity was unmistakable as head coach Abdeslam Ouaddou and captain Nkosinathi Sibisi addressed the media ahead of Saturday's Carling Knockout final in Polokwane.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO

And yet, beneath the controlled tension, there was a notable measure of confidence perhaps even quiet conviction that this could finally be the year the Buccaneers end their longstanding drought in the competition.

Pirates, despite their rich history, have curiously failed to lay hands on this particular trophy for years. It is a fact Sibisi acknowledged with a mixture of honesty and resolve.

Addressing a packed media room at the Rand Stadium, he did not shy away from the gravity of the occasion.

“This is the one trophy in the country that has eluded the club for longer,” he admitted, adding that victory on Saturday “would be a wonderful gift for our fans,” especially with yet another sold-out stadium expected for the final.