Cuthbert Malajila tips Pirates to sail through | African News

Former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cuthbert Malajila, who had two stints in North Africa, has told Orlando Pirates that if they want to progress to the final of the Caf Confederation Cup, they need to beat Al Ahly Tripoli in the first-leg encounter to be played at the Martyrs of February Stadium on Sunday.

The Soweto giants are up against the Libyan giants in a much-anticipated clash. Malajila, who knows Tripoli from his time with Al-Akhdar SC in Badya [Libya], believes a good away result will make life easy for him Pirates when they play the return leg at home next weekend.

“Libyans invest a lot of money into their game; that’s why they are in the Caf Confederations League quarterfinals and semis every year. They can buy players from Europe, especially the two big teams, Al Ahly Benghazi and Al Ahly Tripoli,” Malajila told FARPost.

The Sea Robbers are the only South African team left in the Caf competitions, and they will look to fly the flag high. That will not be easy as they will be playing in a fully packed stadium with 10000 passionate fans.

“It is important for Pirates to go there and get a result away from home. What is likely to happen is that they will play for a win at home, and then when they come to South Africa, they defend at all costs, so Pirates must get a good result in Libya and make their lives easier on the return leg,” said the Zimbabwean international.

Bucs head into this match after suffering a shock defeat away from home in the DStv Premiership, as they went down 1-0 to TS Galaxy at Mbombela Stadium on Monday afternoon. They would want to bounce back as this is their last chance to get silverware and even get a spot in the Caf Champions League next season.
Malajila has tipped Pirates as favourites to book a place in this year’s final.

The Soweto giants have had better fortunes in the continental competition and will look to continue their form and try to lift the Caf Confederation trophy.

By Kgopotso Makhubu

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