Orlando Pirates warned not to underestimate Crystal Lake

Orlando Pirates begin their Nedbank Cup title defence with a trip to Mpumalanga where they face Crystal Lake at Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.

Crystal Lake will be determined to make history against one of the biggest names in the competition.

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The Mpumalanga team have the form to back up their ambition, having posted victories in each of their last seven home games.

They are currently second in their subdivision of the Ehlanzeni Men’s Regional League with three wins in their last five matches, where they have lost once and played to a single stalemate.

Crystal Lake are now set to debut in the Last 32 of one of the country’s most prestigious tournaments, following a 1-0 victory over Middleburg United in the final of their provincial playoff.

Standing between them and a spot in the next round are the defending champions Orlando Pirates, who returned to competitive football last Saturday with a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus Versfeld.

Pirates have endured a mixed bag of results in their six most recent fixtures, winning three in a row before suffering back-to-back defeats.

CRYSTAL LAKE EYEING AN UPSET AGAINST ORLANDO PIRATES

With one point in their last three league games, they will be looking to ensure that a return to cup football brings about an improvement in results as only a win on Saturday will do in their mission to replicate last season’s heroics.

Pirates coach Jose Riveiro has revealed that he has close to a full squad at his disposal, with 34 out of the 36 members of the playing personnel available for selection.

Midfielder Miguel Timm is among those who will miss out as he is suspended after picking up two yellow cards against Sundowns.

The game between Pirates and Crystal Lake kicks off at 15:00.