'95 winner advice to Bucs players

Orlando Pirates will enter their must-win clash with Egyptian side Al Ahly without influential Bafana Bafana midfielder Andile Jali  at the Orlando Stadium this afternoon.

 

The Buccaneers are in second position - tied on seven points with AC Leopards in Group A. They must beat Al Ahly to ensure progression into the semi-finals.

 

Anything less than a win will only be good enough if Leopards fail to beat Zamalek in the other group match .

 

Pirates captain Lucky Lekgwathi says the Egyptians will be out for revenge after Bucs got the better of them in their last meeting.

 

"We beat them 3-0 in the last game so it's obvious that we embarrassed them at home and they will want revenge," said the skipper.

 

"The game won't be easy for us, Al Ahly are one of the best teams in Africa. We want the nation to get behind us because we are doing it for South Africa and not only for Pirates." 

 

The Buccaneers remain the only South African side to have won the cup back in 1995 and Edward Motale who captained the Bucs team that won it nearly two decades ago says it's important for the players to relax and treat the game as normal.

 

"The players have to relax and treat the game just like any other because if they don't that, they will put themselves under pressure and end up making mistakes," he said.

 

"An early goal is also important because if we don't score in the opening minutes then you will see defenders becoming desperate by pushing up and that will open gaps at the back.

 

"When we won it in 1995, we were positive on the pitch for the entire 90 minutes and we also understood the importance of getting that star on our badge."

 

Kick-off  is at 15:00.

 

- Jacasport