Pule: Don’t underestimate Light Stars

With a spot in the final of the Telkom Knockout secured after beating Kaizer Chiefs 2-1 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium this past weekend, Orlando Pirates will now turn their attention to the Caf Champions League as they host Seychelles outfit Light Stars FC in a preliminary round, first-leg clash at the Orlando Stadium tomorrow.

The Buccaneers return to the continental competition after an absence of four years determined to bring back the happy days at the club. Attacking midfielder Vincent Pule (left) knows a bit abut Light Stars, having faced them back in 2016 when he was at Bidvest Wits.

Pule insists Light Stars won’t be easy for them and says they will be under pressure to get a positive result.

“I remember the match against Light Stars. Some might think because we won that game 6-0 our game will be a walkover but I’ve already told my team-mates that this is one team that we cannot afford to underestimate. Teams like this have nothing to lose … the players give their all and because they have nothing to lose, they have no pressure. The pressure will all be on us. We need to show we are a big club and we can only do so by dominating the match from the first whistle. We cannot afford to underestimate them,” Pule was quoted as saying on the club’s official website.

“Furthermore, two years is a long time in football. The team that Wits played two years ago will not necessarily be the team Pirates face on Wednesday. The same can be said for us at this stage – we have gone from failing to qualify for the top eight to finishing second and competing in the Champions League a year later.”

Coach Micho Sredojevic has called on the club’s supporters to rally behind their team as they begin their Champions League journey.

“They have been with us through thick and thin ... I would like to invite our supporters to our Caf Champions League campaign on Wednesday,” said the Bucs coach.