We have great respect for Benni – Micho

Bucs finally ended their hoodoo against Matsatsantsa with a convincing 3-1 victory after last beating SuperSport in 2015.

Sredojevic said they would have to prepare thoroughly for the City clash, knowing very well that things can turn bad really quickly.

“We have great respect for coach Benni McCarthy, who has a wonderful team, and they have proved themselves by knocking out Mamelodi Sundowns to reach the final of the MTN8.

“When you have that in mind you know you are playing a competitive team that will be using these matches in the best way possible before playing the final against SuperSport,” said the Bucs coach.

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“In that regard, we know the threat we face, they know us, we know them. We will not get carried away with this win, knowing that football can punch us back. Therefore, with humility and full understanding we need to work very hard and expose their weaknesses and close their strong points. We will prepare for the match very well.”

Sredojevic, meanwhile, believes midfielder Xola Mlambo is one of the best midfielders in the country after he delivered a Man-of-the-Match performance that came along with an assist during the win against SuperSport.

“I want to congratulate Xola Mlambo for another top-class performance that goes in line with what my brother Rhulani Mokwena mentioned before. We believe he is in the top three of the best midfielders in the country and he is the backbone of our team.

“I hope he continues performing the same way he is now and being a positive role model to others and at the same moment is growing in confidence and showing that he is the pillar of the team,” he added.

While Pirates head to this game with their tails up after the great win over SuperSport, City will enter this match on the back of a 4-1 loss to Kaizer Chiefs.