Orlando Pirates forward Kermit Erasmus says the indifferent string of results have pushed them to work even harder ahead of facing Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 final.
Erasmus earned a start in their last game as they beat Jwaneng Galaxy 1-0 but went down 5-4 on penalties to end their CAF Champions League campaign before the group stages.
It coincided with 1-0 defeats to Mamelodi Sundowns in the league and Stellenbosch in their second leg semi-final of the domestic cup final they will compete for on Saturday.
“The last game we played… we showed that we need to give more, I think this week is a result of that, giving more than we’ve been [giving prior] and ya it’s part of the preparations and plans for the final,” Erasmus said.
“Preparation has been going well so far even though we just started the week yesterday, we’re hungrier than ever and here to give our best effort and prepare well for the week ahead.
“I think we can’t be more motivated than knowing we’re playing a final and even though it’s against Sundowns, it could be any other team – but knowing that it’s a cup final, it;s an important game, only one team can win and be victorious and lift the trophy.
“Hopefully we can be the best that we’re preparing for this week and it will show… it will be a result of what we put in this week, we’re hungry and willing to give our best.”
On facing Sundowns, a club he represented over for two years, and ironically, scored against last season to dump them 3-0 out of the semi-final stage of this very competition, he downplayed it has extra sentiment.
“I’m motivated regardless, whether it’s my former team or any other team – it’s a final, that motivates me more than anything, besides who we’re playing against,” Erasmus said.
“So it’s going to be a good showcase of football… [it will be] entertaining for the fans and hopefully we can be on the positive side of the result.”
Pirates are hosts for the clash at Moses Mabhida Stadium that will kick off at 18h00.
