By Michael Madyira
The bid by Orlando Pirates to defend the Nedbank Cup faces what looks like a threat from National First Division side Hungry Lions.
The Buccaneers host Hungry Lions at Orlando Stadium in this round of 16 tie on Saturday.
With some lower-tier sides upsetting PSL teams in this edition, notably Soweto sides Kaizer Chiefs and Moroka Swallows, Pirates will want to avoid becoming another victim.
Buccaneers coach Jose Riveiro isn’t reading much into the fact that Hungry Lions are a Division One outfit.
“The opponent may be playing in the second tier, but we know the story about these games,” Riveiro told the media.
“So we will approach the game with maximum respect.”
To reach the last 16, the Sea Robbers pumped in half a dozen goals without reply past amateur side Crystal Lake in the round of 32.
It was a dominant performance by Pirates that they hope to repeat on Saturday.
Hungry Lions saw off the challenge by fellow NFD side JDR Stars 1-0 in the last 32 to secure a spot in the round of 16.
This will be the fifth time since last season that the Buccaneers have faced lower division teams in this competition and prevailed, although sometimes only after a struggle.
This time around, they are keen to avoid running into any problems against Hungry Lions as Riveiro will want to assert his reputation as a Cup-game mastermind.
The Spaniard has so far guided Pirates to major trophies three times, including last season’s Nedbank Cup.
Going into Saturday’s encounter, Pirates will be motivated by last weekend’s Soweto Derby victory over Kaizer Chiefs.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates players going through their training drills.
Image source: Orlando Pirates
