Downs’ Maema braces for Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns attacking midfielder Neo Maema expects a competitive outing against rejuvenated Orlando Pirates in their Premier Soccer League clash at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The Brazilians look to lift their winning league record to 15 matches. The Buccaneers want their fourth victory on the spin.

Maema says Pirates will be on a high after successive wins over Golden Arrows, Stellenbosch and Marumo Gallants. Even more impressive for Pirates, they have nine goals in those three matches, credited largely to their strikers ’ coach Scott Chickelday.

“We are expecting a highly motivated Orlando Pirates because when you play these types of matches no-one needs motivation,” said Maema, one of Brazil’s standout performers with five goals and one assist after 17 league matches.

Maema said Sundowns do not expect Pirates to play as they have been playing.

Downs and Bucs clashed three times this season. Pirates shocked trophy machines Downs 3-0 in the second leg of their MTN8 semifinal in Polokwane in October to win the tie on that scoreline on aggregate.

The Brazilians scored some revenge in the final of the friendly Black Label Cup in November, and beat Pirates again at home in the league in December (2-0).

“I expect them to come at us because they are in a groove. It is going to be a difficult match against a highly motivated team. They will come at us the same way they did the first fixture we played against them.

“They are a bit different now because they used to play three at the back but now they play with four. They are dangerous on the counterattack. “The other plus for them is their supporters will be behind them because they are at home. We have our own processes. We know how to guard against such tactics.

“Preparations for the match are going well. We just came back from some time off and are rejuvenating and working on getting back to our groove. “We are preparing like any other game. We always focus on goals we want to achieve. We just have to make sure we are ready for the game on Saturday.”