Newly-signed Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs is confident that 'Bucs' will notch up their first win of the season when they host BidVest Wits at Coca-Cola Park on Friday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Josephs was bubbling with optimism and looking forward to lining up against the club he captained for two seasons.

Josephs joined the 'Buccaneers' in a multi-million rand deal in the pre-season, but 'Bucs' failed to fire in the MTN8 knockout tournament and also in their opening Premiership clash.

Pirates were knocked out of the MTN8 by SuperSport United at home last month, and a week back 'Bucs' crashed 1-0 away to Golden Arrows in their first league game of the new season.

Said a pumped-up Josephs: "There is no bad blood or that I have anything to prove against Wits. I had a good time at Wits, but now I am where I always wanted to be and that is at Pirates.

"I am going to enjoy playing against them and taking three points. We had a poor start to the season, but things are going to improve."

Josephs said that there is no single player at Wits that Pirates need fear, but he warned: "Wits play as a team and we have to match their team work-rate and, believe me, after two successive losses we know we have to get it right on Friday night."

Josephs was one of five players who returned to training on Wednesday after a 10-day camp with Bafana Bafana. And Josephs was in goal when the national side lost 1-0 in a friendly against Guinea at the Super Stadium on Tuesday night.

His other four team-mates, defender Innocent Mdledle, Teko Modise, Lebogang Mothibantwa and Thulasizwe Mbuyane, all played in the loss.

The fact that so many Pirates players were on international duty has hampered Krol's preparations for Friday's clash.

Said the straight talking Hollander: "We have eight or nine players away playing for their countries during the FIFA week. It does not make life any easier for a coach when so many top players are a way at the same time. But we will have to knuckle down and focus against Wits. We need to get points on the board."

Other 'Buccaneers' on international duty for their countries during the 2010 African Nations Cup qualifiers were club captain Lehlohonolo Seema of Lesotho, Malawi's Josephy Kamwendo, Zimbabwean striker Gilbert Mushangazhike and DR Congo defender Destin Makita who is scheduled to return to 'Bucs' on Thursday.

Krol said he was not feeling the heat from the fans just yet.

He said: "My message to the supporters is that they need to be patient. This is a highly tight and competitive league. I have been impressed by the matches I have watched so far."

Krol, a former Dutch defender and captain, admitted he had to improve his side's communication and organisation.

Said Krol: "We are not defending corners and free-kicks properly. I have been working on that. There are a few areas where things are going to get better and we will collect our first win of the season."

Krol watched the 'Students' defeat Santos 2-0 in their opening league fixture, saying: "Wits have a useful side. They have pace and aggression and they are not going to be easy opponents."

Meanwhile, Krol revealed that he would not be fielding his two new players, Cape Verde striker Adriano and veteran midfielder Dikgang Mabalane, who joined 'Bucs' recently.

He explained: "Both players are not fully match-fit and will get their chance once they improve their fitness."

Sapa