McCarthy banks on Pirates power

Benni McCarthy said the strength of his Orlando Pirates team will be too much for Bidvest Wits to match in Saturday’s Telkom Knockout final.

McCarthy – who said he wants to win as many titles as possible this season with Pirates – is upbeat about playing in his first major South African cup final in front of a capacity crowd.

Still in the striker’s mind is the 3-1 loss at the hands of Wits in a Premier Soccer League encounter – a match he had to watch from the sidelines, as he was serving a suspension together with Pirates skipper Lucky Lekgwathi.

“I am looking forward to the game because we have a score to settle,” said McCarthy, who played a key role in Pirates’ 3-0 victory over log leaders SuperSport United last weekend.

And he is expected to play a vital role again, as the Pirates attack attempt to break down a solid Wits defence, which boasts the abilities of the likes of Mbulelo ‘OJ’ Mabizela.

“They (Wits) owe us, and they will be up against a full strength side. I was not part of the match that we lost against them. A number of players were also not there. Things will be different because we have a full side for the coaches to choose from,” he said, according to Kickoff.com.

“I have said that my decision to play for Orlando Pirates was motivated by the desire to win trophies, so this is what we will be focusing on during the final.”

The Bafana Bafana international anticipated a close encounter, and said the Pirates will treat their opponents with respect.

“They (Wits) are a good side and this is why they are in the Final. It will be a good match and hopefully we will win the cup,” he said.

Winning the Telkom Knockout is a major priority for Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza – whose Treble-winning team of last season failed to clinch this piece of silverware under Dutch coach Ruud Krol.