City have quality to stop Orlando Pirates in cup semi: Darren Keet

Keeping a clean sheet at home is Cape Town City's number one priority in their plans to beat Orlando Pirates in their two-legged MTN8 semifinal, says Citizens goalkeeper Darren Keet.

The former Bafana Bafana shot-stopper said scoring a few goals at home is also a priority as the Citizens seek a place in the final.

City host Pirates in the first leg at Cape Town Stadium on Tuesday night (7pm), with the second leg at Orlando Stadium on Saturday.

The Citizens beat Polokwane City 1-0 away in the quarterfinals just less than three weeks ago. Pirates swept SuperSport United aside 3-1 in their quarterfinal.

“Playing at home first, the most important thing is to get a few goals and keep a clean sheet to take away to Orlando,'' Keet said.

“It's always going to be a hell of a task but we're prepared for it. We've got a stable defence, we've got a stable team at the moment and there's no reason we shouldn't be able to do it.

“Clean sheets are always vitally important for keepers and the rest of the team.''

Keet said City need no extra motivation to beat the Buccaneers, the defending champions. He lauded the hard work the Citizens have put in during their preseason and said he believes management did a solid job bolstering the squad, which has been reinforced with seasoned campaigners such as former Pirates midfielder Fortune Makaringe, Haashim Domingo and Kamohelo Mokotjo.

“I don't think we need extra motivation. I think the magnitude of the game is an occasion. Usually it [City's meetings with Pirates] is a spectacle and we are happy to have a chance to have a go at them.

“We've been working hard, we've had a long preseason, so it will be an interesting game. We're well-prepared for it.

“A semifinal is a motivation to get to the final. It doesn't matter who we come up against. We've put together a decent squad this season, so we are looking forward to the games against Pirates and the season ahead.''

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