(AUDIO) Clubs fear Pirates: De Sa
The Buccaneers have been in scintillating form in the continental show-piece. They beat both Egyptian giants Al Ahly and Zamalek, who between them have 13 CAF titles.
Teams have adopted a cautious approach when taking on the Soweto club and De Sa thinks their impressive form in this season's campaign has made their opponents take notice of them.
"Everybody knows Pirates now, TV coverage goes out to the whole continent. Everyone in Tunisia and Egypt knew who we were and that is obviously good for the brand," De Sa remarked when asked if teams find it daunting coming up against The Ghosts.
The Sea Robbers take on Al Ahly in Saturday's 1st leg of the CAF Champions League final at the Orlando Stadium. Bucs ran out 3-0 victors in the away fixture against the North African team and were held to a goalless home draw in the corresponding match.
Even though De Sa's men were joints top-scores with Al Ahly in their group before the knock-out stages, the former Wits coach maintains the seven-time African champions are favourites.
Pirates scored eight goals and conceded four in the group stages of the competition but finished second behind Ahly who notched up three wins from six games and in the process let in seven goals.
"I honestly believe they are favourites but we have a 50/50 chance in the game. They haven't been that good throughout the competition but they are here (final).
"They managed to squeeze out results and they know how to play in two-legged finals. Home and away they are good.
"We have to be at our best. They are a special side, there's no doubt about it but we have our strength and couple of tricks up our sleeves."
Kick off is at 20:30.
- JacaSport