Midfielder Miguel Timm is relishing the opportunity to play in the MTN 8 final after missing out on another enormous match this past weekend. Orlando Pirates face what is perhaps their greatest match of the season.
On Saturday, for the first time in the PSL era, the Buccaneers will face AmaZulu in a cup final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, continuing the arduous schedule that has welcomed José Riveiro’s squad prior to the lengthy FIFA break.
The encounter is an opportunity for the 30-year-old to return to the match day squad after missing out on his Soweto Derby debut in the team’s previous outing due to suspension due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
It will be a welcome return for a player who has quickly become a fan favorite in Bucs colors due to his imposing presence, which has earned him a starting position in the midfield despite fierce competition.
Timm said in an exclusive interview with Orlandopiratesfc.com prior to the sold-out event in Durban that he is relishing the opportunity to don Bucs colors once more after missing the Derby.
“Obviously, watching from the sidelines cannot compare to being on the field and playing in front of so many people,” he remarked.
“Also, when I joined the club, my goal was to compete as often as possible in all available contests. Reaching this point was one of my short-term objectives, so we’ll do our best to continue and win.”
The Buccaneers and Usuthu will face off for the second time in a month, having previously fought to a stalemate at Orlando Stadium in league action.
While the match will be fresh in both teams’ thoughts, Timm said that the team’s main focus leading up to the championship match has been on its own strengths.
“I believe that in every game we prepare for, we focus on our strengths,” the player continued.
“We have sufficient quality to organize it the way we want. We are focused on ourselves and are not overly concerned with what the competition is doing.
“To be really honest, we haven’t discussed them much. We have a plan for this final exam. Obviously, there must be a winner and a loser, and we’ve done everything we can to win on the weekend.”
The journey to the final for the Pirates has included some remarkable performances, but the team’s Achilles heel throughout the entire season has been its lack of consistency.
Timm believes that ending the year on a strong note bodes well for the remainder of the season.
“The inconsistency has been obvious, but our trust is not shaken,” he said.
“We are just learning to be as consistent as possible, particularly when we have momentum. We have just neglected to maintain it. Considering the upcoming break and second half of the season, it would be a fantastic way to end the year.”
The MTN 8 championship begins at 18:00.