By Michael Madyira
Orlando Pirates remain confident as they prepare to face CS Disciples in the second leg of the CAF Champions League first preliminary round at Orlando Stadium on Friday.
The Buccaneers were held to a 0-0 draw by the Madagascan side in the first leg, played in Mauritius last Sunday.
This result means that, due to the away goals rule, scoring a draw in the second leg could see the Pirates eliminated, putting them at risk of an early exit from the competition.
But Pirates’ captain Innocent Maela believes the team is now better prepared for victory.
“We played the first match away from home against a team that we didn’t know well,” he said.
“But now we have the information we need to prepare for the second leg here at home. I think we have the advantage now at home. We are focused, and we know what we need to do tomorrow evening. We will be okay, and the team will do well.”
The Buccaneers are determined to avoid a repeat of last season’s disappointment when they were knocked out by Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy, a less-fancied opponent.
However, Maela is confident that the team’s morale is high despite the challenges they faced in Mauritius.
“The team is in a good space,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the match and know we have to win to go through. There is no other way.”
Coach Jose Riveiro is cautious and aware of the potential for an upset by the visitors.
“We have a responsibility to make sure we progress to the next round, but we know it won’t be easy,” Riveiro said.
“We are playing against a good team that will fight hard to stay in the competition. We need to win because we want to reach the next round.”
If Pirates advance to the second preliminary round, it will be the final step before reaching the tournament’s group stage.
Pictured above: Orlando Pirates stand-in captain Olisah Ndah and Disciples FC skipper.
Source: Disciples FC
