Cape Town City coach Benni McCarthy believes his side are “underdogs” heading into their Nedbank Cup last 16 clash against Orlando Pirates on Wednesday, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Citizens come into the clash off the back of a 2-0 victory over Chippa United, while the Buccaneers are high in confidence following their 3-1 triumph over arch-rivals Kaizer Chiefs.

McCarthy says being labelled as ‘underdogs’ will give his side more freedom to deploy their tactics against an in-form Buccaneers side.

“I think we are very much underdogs and that gives us a bit more ease to play our game‚ execute our tactics and how we are going to set up against them‚” McCarthy told the media.

“We can play with freedom because everybody will be looking to see how far Pirates can take this run [in the Nedbank Cup]. We are the team standing in their way and so hopefully the boys can get into the game.

“The weather is playing an awesome part‚ so that is good for us.”

The 40-year-old coach will be hoping his side can make it through to the quarter-final in the hopes of meeting giant-killers Ubuntu Cape Town in a Cape derby.

“If you look at the teams that have gone through‚ the Ubuntu story is one that inspires us because you see them doing the business‚” he added.

“We will try and play well‚ play to our plan and if things go accordingly and we get past this stage‚ a nice Ubuntu next round tie would be amazing. A Cape derby.

“Two more games and then you find yourself in a final‚ so it is everything to play for and everything to gain.”

Cape Town City will welcome Orlando Pirates to the Cape Town Stadium when the two side’s go head-to-head in the Nedbank Cup on Wednesday, with kick-off set for 19:30.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix