Steve Komphela acknowledges Orlando Pirates clash of consequence

Currently 18 points clear of their nearest rival, although having played four more matches, The Brazilians could take a massive step towards a record eighth consecutive Betway Premiership title should they claim victory this afternoon.

However, Komphela admits a defeat potentially throws The Buccaneers somewhat of a lifeline heading into what would then become their final 11 matches.

"It's going to be packed [emotionally], and I think the nature of the game we are going to face for both teams is a game of consequence, one would say," said Komphela.

"These are matches, you are nearing the business end of the league and everything else, they are critical, and for many people – some have been saying this is not only a Betway Premiership match, it's more of a Betway Premiership knockout or cup final match.

"It's in that mixture that whoever wins the match – hoping Mamelodi Sundowns comes through, then we stretch the possibility of being caught by our rivals, and if they happen to win, they narrow the gap, so it's going to be that type [of match]."

Komphela further called on fans to be prompt in arriving at FNB Stadium to avoid any delays to a match that already holds a lot of weight.

"To me, the most important [thing] is to go back again and request our people to say, 'The match [kicks off at] 15:30, can we make it a point that we are there on time?' Because you can imagine there's a possibility of 90 000 people," he added.

"So if you want to measure your time and say, I'm moving from my house, going straight to the match, there's traffic, so maybe if we come early it would be much easier to just go on with the protocols of the match, get into the [stadium], start at 15:30 and finish 17:30, then we know business is done."

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