Japie Motale, who turned out in defence for SuperSport United during his heyday, believes Gavin Hunt's charges will hold their own against Orlando Pirates on Tuesday, as opposed to the mediocre performance they put up against Kaizer Chiefs over the weekend.
Struggling SuperSport are up against free-scoring Pirates in what is expected to be a tough Betway Premiership clash at Orlando Stadium.
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Both sides will be looking to bounce back following their embarrassing exit from the Carling Knockout on Saturday.
Matsatsantsa were hammered 4-0 by Amakhosi, while Bucs fell to newcomers Magesi FC by a 2-1 scoreline.
"Yes, they conceded four goals against Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday, but I think Gavin Hunt will be able to fix things against Pirates as he lost a lot of experienced players," Motale says.
"It was unlike Gavin to lose with such a huge margin, but I don't think it's gonna be the same tonight. Even if Pirates can win, it is not going to be with the same margin. They will not score four goals against SuperSport.
"Remember, on a good day, Gavin can dictate the game to suit his team. Like [Mamelodi] Sundowns, Pirates are a ball-playing team. Against such teams, Gavin can easily dictate the match by playing long balls.
"He can easily force such teams to rely on second balls, and once they start doing that, they will become frustrated.
"Experienced players like Thulani Hlatshwayo and Onismor Bhasera were saved for tonight's match. Gavin had to divide the squad since these games are too close [to each other].
"So, if Pirates win it, it will be maybe by 2-1. They will not score four goals against SuperSport United. Most senior players will be back today.
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"Gavin had to rest them against Chiefs because he doesn't have a big squad this season," added the man who also turned out for Black Leopards and Thanda Royal Zulu, among others.
SuperSport have won only one of four league matches so far this season, and are in 13th place on the log table having amassed a mere three points.