Van Heerden not bothered with Orlando Pirates' inactivity ahead of Nedbank Cup final

Orlando Pirates defender Marc Van Heerden is relishing the 2017 Nedbank Cup final against SuperSport United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.

“I think we all want some dignity back,” Van Heerden told the media.

Van Heerden joined the club in January 2017 from Chippa United with the Soweto giants already struggling.

“When you sign for such a big club you get a lot of feelings of joy and fulfilment and all that. But when you walk on the streets and supporters see you and say negative things, it’s hard to juggle those emotions as well,” he said.

SuperSport are looking to become the first team to defend the Nedbank Cup after beating Pirates in last year’s final in Polokwane.

“I think the captain (Oupa Manyisa) has already said it that we don’t need motivation for the cup final because we are well aware we have to win it," he stressed.

“We went away to have our minds and bodies re-energised and that was important. Now it is all about rectifying those mistakes,” Van Heerden said.

SuperSport have been playing in the 2016 Caf Confederation Cup group stage after the 2016/17 PSL season came to an end.

“Not at all. Obviously, not playing top quality opposition during that time takes something away from us, but your match fitness can’t be questioned,” he added.

“We have played two friendly matches and every single player got to play 90 minutes. I think on the day it will depend who is hungrier. I hope that’s us,” Van Heerden concluded.