Orlando Pirates will have to pick up their socks if they are to end their four match winless streak when they host unpredictable Maritzburg United in an Absa Premiership clash at the Orlando Stadium on Wednesday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

United coach Gordon Igesund, who won the Premiership title and the BP Top Eight Cup with the 'Buccaneers' in the 2000/01 season, said he expected Pirates to attack but hoped to add to Pirates' mid season slump.

Igesund said the fact Pirates had picked up only one point from a possible 12 and three points from their last six matches, makes them dangerous.

Igesund watched Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs huff and puff to a dull 0-0 draw in the Soweto Derby played at Orlando Stadium last Saturday, but was not reading too much into that match.

Said Igesund: "From my experience of the Derby I know what pressure there is on players and coaches, so I am expecting a different game and Pirates approach when they meet us."

Igesund pin pointed Pirates' main problem when he said the players appear low on confidence.

"That is something you cannot switch on and off. We went through a mini slump but a win and two draws in our last three matches have seen us recover.

"Confidence has to be built and the only way to do that is by winning. I realise what Pirates are going through and despite their problems they are a quality side with a top class coach and are well organised. "

Igesund stressed he would come to Soweto and play positive soccer. "I am going for a result which I believe we can achieve and that means we aim to take the game to Pirates."

To this end Igesund is looking to his in-form strikers Fadlu Davids and Brice Aka to unsettle the 'Bucs' defence."

'Bucs' coach Ruud Krol finds himself under pressure to get Pirates' title ambitions back on track. The former Dutch captain has complained about his players, such as Teko Modise, being tired. Modise is going through a rough patch, but he is not the only one.

'Bucs' have only scored 10 goals in 13 matches. Strikers Katlego Mashego, Terror Fanteni, Gert Schalkwyk and Siphelele Mthembu need to come to the party otherwise this is going to be another season without any silverware for the 'Buccaneers'.

Bucs spokesman Mickey Modisane, said the strikers need to show more composure in front of goals.

"This is going to be another difficult game for us, but it is vital we collect three points and keep in sight of leaders SuperSport United who are six points ahead of us at the top of the table."

Modisane said the wingers lacked sparkle against Chiefs and hoped the likes of Dikgang Mabalane ? and if he gets a chance to start ? Bennett Chenene, will supply the strikers with goal scoring opportunities.

Meanwhile Modisane said captain and midfield anchorman Benson Mhlongo is still undergoing tests on the knee he damaged in the 2-1 away loss to AmaZulu last Wednesday.

"I am not sure how long Mhlongo will be out but it does not look good at this stage."