Operation ‘Vat Alles’ loading? Pirates gear up for Carling Cup final

Orlando Pirates are gearing up for Saturday’s Carling Cup final against Carling All Stars in Durban.

Kick-off at Moses Mabhida Stadium is at 15:00.

The Buccaneers arrived in Durban on Thursday to continue their preparation for this encounter.

And the Soweto giants are strong favourites to lift the Carling Cup given their form, especially against a team that will be playing together for the first time.

However, Pirates will have to be reminded that the previous two editions of the Carling Cup were won by the All Stars team.

This year’s Carling All Stars XI will be led by the likes of Brandon Petersen, Marcelo Allende and Arthur Sales among others.

Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mfundo Vilakazi will feature in his third successive Carling Cup final.

For Pirates, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is expected to make wholesale changes to his usual starting XI.

And this is because nine of their regulars will miss the encounter as they are in the Bafana Bafana camp for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

ORLANDO PIRATES IN OPERATION VAT ALLES MISSION

Orlando Pirates are on a mission to win each and every trophy available to them this season.

The Sea Robbers sent a statement of intent early in the campaign when they lifted the MTN8 trophy.

Ouaddou’s charges then recently won the Carling Knockout Cup which was their first since 2011.

Now, the focus shifts to the Carling Cup as the intend to win in what will be regarded as ‘Operation Vat Alles’ for this season by Pirates.

The Buccaneers sit atop in the Betway Premiership, and they’re considered strong contenders for the league title.

CONFIRMED ALL STARS STARTING XI

• Brandon Petersen – Kaizer Chiefs
• Keabetswe Khonyane – Siwelele FC
• Sikhosonke Langa- Sekhukhune United
• Vincent Sithole – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thabo Nkabinde – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Marcelo Allende – Mamelodi Sundowns
• Thulani Mabaso – Kaizer Chiefs
• Mfundo Vilakazi – Kaizer Chiefs
• Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo Marumo Gallants
• Naledi Hlongwane – Kaizer Chiefs
• Arthur Sales – Mamelodi Sundowns