Bucs, Downs aim for clinical finish
Champs league draws put giants on the back foot
Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates find themselves in a tricky position in their quest to qualify for the group stages of the CAF Champions League. Sundowns are aiming to extend their record by being the first South African team to qualify for the group stages for a fourth consecutive year. Pirates are looking to make their mark after a five-year absence from the competition. Both local giants were held to goalless draws in the first legs. The Brazilians could not get the job done against Alahli Bengazhi from Libya, while the Buccaneers were frustrated by African Stars of Namibia at the weekend. According to coach Pitso Mosimane, his team should be able to get the job done at home at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday (3pm).
We were on top and controlled the match
“There is just the finishing touches that we need to do and we should win at home,” Mosimane said.
“We were on top and controlled the match. It’s not that we are unhappy with the performance, it’s only the result.” The Sea Robbers will fly to Windhoek to face the local league champions on an artificial turf at Sam Nujoma Stadium also on Saturday (4pm). Pirates coach Milutin Sredojevic says his team will take the necessary precautions to prepare for the game. “They [African Stars] will be at home and playing with the advantage on the artificial grass,” Sredojevic said. “We shall do everything that is needed to prepare for the grass where the ball will be rolling and bouncing differently.” The Serbian conceded his players may be physically and psychological fatigued. “Maybe we are a little exhausted from the Telkom final and then playing Free State Stars a few days later,” said Sredojevic, who added that most of his players were sick. “Nearly half the team had a virus, so we have been under medication but we still tried our best.”