Pirates: Xoki debunks talk of favourable Nedbank draws

Orlando Pirates will face yet another minnow in the Nedbank Cup and defender Tapelo Xoki debunks they get favourable draws.

Xoki was key for Pirates as they beat Crystal Lake 6-0 and will now face Hungry Lions – the seasoned defender says there’s no luck.

Pirates are the reigning Nedbank champions and will meet the minnows but Xoki says there are no favourable draws.

Meanwhile, Pirates are the reigning Nedbank champions without facing a top-flight side until in the semi-finals last season.

PIRATES DEFENDER XOKI DOWNPLAYS LUCK IN THE NEDBANK CUP

The former AmaZulu centre-back, Xoki debunks the favourable draws because the minnows are also competitive.

“The results of the tournament have shown that there’s no such thing as luck when Premiership teams play against teams from lower divisions,” Pirates defender Xoki tells the media per Sowetan.

“On Sunday we saw a result where a lower division side eliminated a big team, referring to Chiefs’ elimination by second-tier’s Milford.

“You can’t say we are lucky because these teams from lower divisions are competitive and that has been proven.

“You have to give them the respect they deserve.

“They are in this tournament to win it as anyone else.

“As Pirates, we treat each and every game the same.

“There’s no lucky draw… we only wanted a home draw and luckily we got it.”

XOKI ON TAKING PENALTIES FOR PIRATES

The Bafana Bafana defender, Xoki also sets the record for taking penalties for Pirates as a first-choice taker.

Next to his name, Xoki already has two goals from the spot this year.

“I was not given this responsibility of being Pirates’ first-choice penalty taker,” adds Pirates defender Xoki.

“Because I am special but I take penalties because of the way the team had prepared going into games.”

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