Segolela Sends Message To Pirates Ahead Of CAFCC Clash

Orlando Pirates legend Tlou Segolela has sent a message to the current Buccaneers team ahead of their CAF Confederations Cup semi-final first leg at Al Ahli Tripoli in Libya.

The 34-year-old was part of the famous Buccaneers team that won the double-treble between 2010 and 2012, and also reached two CAF finals in three years.

The former winger, who now works as Technical Director for City Rovers, has insisted Pirates mustn’t be intimidated by the lasers, which are likely to be pointed at them by fans of the home side at the Martyrs of February stadium on Sunday.

“The mental strength is key. When things are not going your way, you have to work harder. Those kinds of situations bring the best out of players. With the lasers, it’s intimidation. The bottom line is it’s 11 vs 11 on the pitch,” Segolela told SowetanLive.

“They have to be mentally strong because it gets tougher. Nothing has to change. They must believe in what they have been doing all along because that’s got them to where they are now.

“Playing away, under those intimidating situations is often easy for SA players because you’re free because they don’t know much about your game. They have a mountain to climb. They have to make sure they leave everything on the field.”

To read the FREE digital version of the iDiski Times newspaper, with interviews with Junior Khanye, Roger de Sa and Sundowns scout Tera Maliwa as well as an update on AmaZulu’s coaching shortlist and rumours about Samir Nurkovic, Miguel Timm and a PSL defender Chiefs are monitoring, click below!

Segolela admitted that Pirates are not playing a great domestic campaign but could save their 2021/22 season by winning the CAF Confederations Cup, insisting it’s not a small tournament.

“They haven’t had a good season [domestically], but that doesn’t make them bad players,” he added.

“They are in the semifinals and have the chance to go home with silverware. Yes, it’s the Confed Cup, it’s not a smaller tournament.

“Those teams are the best in their country. It’s the only trophy they can win. They have to win it for the club, fans and families.”

‘Sundowns Shop At Woolworths, Pirates At Pick n Pay’