Orlando Pirates centreback Tapelo Xoki sounded cool, confident and relaxed in Durban on Thursday before Saturday's sold-out Nedbank Cup final against Soweto rivals Kaizer Chiefs at Moses Mabhida Stadium 3.30pm.
One of the reasons for Xoki to ooze such conviction before a game many believe is unpredictable despite Chiefs' well-documented struggles is the big wins Pirates have pulled off against tough sides this season.
Among Bucs' memorable wins in 2024-2025 was the completion of a Betway Premiership double over Chiefs with their 2-1 win at FNB Stadium on Saturday, where Pirates had to come from behind after letting Chiefs' Glody Lilepo open the scoring in the second minute. Evidence Makgopa 24th minute and Relebohile Mofokeng's goals 69th earned Bucs victory.
The other two major wins for coach Jos Riveiro's team were against runaway league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who they beat 2-1 in a second round Premiership match at FNB Stadium in March.
The Buccaneers registered a league double over Kaizer Chiefs with a hard-fought 2-1 win at a packed and noisy FNB Stadium on Saturday to maintain their outside chance of catching up with log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who are away to Cape Town City in the late kickoff match.