The two teams are meeting for the second time this season following the surprise 2-1 result in favour of Gallants in their Betway Premiership clash earlier in the season.

Since then, Bucs have improved in leaps and bounds bar the disappointment of their CAF Champions League preliminary round elimination and are unbeaten in their last 16 matches in local competitions, whilst also winning the MTN8 title.

Meanwhile, Bahlabane ba Ntwa have been one of the most entertaining teams this season under 28-year-old French coach Alexandre Lafitte but have failed to translate most performances into positive results in the league.

The fixture will also see the Buccaneers come up against former player Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo who has been in great form since returning to Gallants this season, whilst it also signals the final match for MLS-bound Mbekezeli Mbokazi in Pirates colours.

Bucs coach Abdeslam Ouaddou is wary of his former side but believes his experience with Gallants may count in the Soweto giants favour.

"The team that we're playing, I know 100% of the team," said the Moroccan coach.

"I know what I left there in the club. I know the team spirit that I built there. So, we have to be prepared for that in order to be able to bring this cup to our club."

Meanwhile Lafitte is not fazed by the challenge ahead and is hopeful of winning Gallants second title in their history following their 2020/21 Nedbank Cup triumph.

"I see it's a big challenge [to face Pirates]," admitted the Frenchman.

"But when you are in the final, and you want to win the cup, you need to beat all big teams. We have eliminated Sundowns, Stellenbosch and Golden Arrows. So, it’s normal, if you want to win the cup, you need to beat big teams."

Kick-Off for the clash is at 18h00.

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