Washington Arubi embraces underdog tag as Gallants prepare for Orlando Pirates

Arubi acknowledged the challenge his team faces, noting that Gallants must manage the pressure of facing such a quality side.

Currently fifth from the bottom of the league standings, Gallants have been inconsistent this season.

Despite this, Arubi insists the team will embrace the occasion and give their best against one of the country's strongest sides.

Orlando Pirates, on the other hand, arrive at the final as overwhelming favourites. The Buccaneers are enjoying a red-hot run, remaining unbeaten in their last eight matches across all competitions.

During that stretch, they won seven games and drew once, the latter against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus in last month's Betway Premiership fixture.

A victory on Saturday would see Pirates lift their second trophy of the season, adding to an already impressive campaign.

While the odds clearly favour Pirates, Arubi's belief in his team's ability to rise to the occasion sets the stage for an intriguing clash, with Gallants aiming to defy expectations and spoil the party for their more fancied opponents.

"I am happy to play my third final with the same team. I know it is going to be a difficult game for us because of the pressure of playing against one of the biggest teams on the continent," said Arubi.

"I love it when we approach the game as underdogs. We just have to go out there and show character, contain pressure and try to control emotions. We are going to do our best to try to come up with a good result."