Pirates to play Tunisian rivals amid ‘state of war’

SOWETO soccer giants Orlando Pirates, who are in Tunisia, are on high alert because of the risk of terror attacks.

Twelve members of the Tunisian presidential guard died in an attack earlier this week.

The incident came as Pirates were preparing for their match against Etoile Sportive du Sahel in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup final in Sousse tomorrow.

The International Relations and Co-operation Department says that although it is satisfied the players are in safe hands, it remains in constant communication with the South African Embassy in Tunis.

“They are monitoring the situation,” spokesman Clayson Monyela said.

“They have contacted the Tunisian authorities to ascertain that security measures are being taken.”

The match is to go ahead as planned. The authorities have declared a state of emergency, saying the country is in a “state of war”.

A 9pm curfew has been imposed.

The major terror attack was the third in Tunisia this year.

Terrorists killed 38 foreigners at a beach hotel in Sousse in June. Gunmen killed 21 tourists at the Bardo Museum in Tunis in March.

The South African government has condemned the use of force, violence, intimidation and threats to highlight sociopolitical issues or political disagreements.

As a precaution, Monyela has called on all South Africans living or visiting Tunis to register with the department or the embassy.