Orlando Pirates take on Baroka in the Telkom Final on Saturday and winger Thembinkosi Lorch has insisted that his team will show their opponents the respect they deserve.

The Sea Robbers are undoubtedly favourites to reign supreme on Saturday after brushing aside rivals Kaizer Chiefs to book a spot in the final against Bakgaga.

Baroka, however, beat both Mamelodi Sundowns and Bidvest Wits on their way to the final, and despite their underdog tag they will provide Milutin Sredojevic’s team with a stern test.

Pirates of course are aiming to end their four-year trophy drought, but Lorch has warned against any complacency as he looks to form a part of the next generation of title winners at Pirates.

‘Baroka are not in the final by mistake. They deserve respect and that’s what we will give them if we are to achieve our dream of lifting the Telkom Knockout Cup on Saturday,’ Lorch told the official Orlando Pirates website.

‘We know their players have ambitions to lift the first title in the club’s history. When you look at the teams that they defeated along the way, you can see that this is a team that has earned its place in the final and this is a team that deserves our respect.’

‘A lot of us will be playing in our first final for the club. Like our opponents who want to win their club’s first title, a lot of us at Pirates also harbour ambitions to make a mark at this club,’ added the Bafana Bafana winger.

‘We want to be a generation that contributed to this clubs’ illustrious career. It’s been four years since the club and fans have tasted cup success; we want to give it our all this weekend to end the year on a high.’

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