Nyirenda gets technical on Bucs

Baroka coach sings the praises of Pirates ahead of their clash against African Stars

ORLANDO PIRATES’ quest for a second continental title has received the backing of an unlikely source, the man who ensured the Buccaneers’ search for domestic silverware continues unabated.

Wedson Nyirenda, the Zambian coach of Baroka FC, has said he believes Pirates have what it takes to conquer the continent and add the 2019 Caf Champions League title to the 1995 Champions Cup trophy already in their cabinet.

Strange given that Nyirenda made the pronouncements shortly after he’d led his team to a 3-2 penalty shoot-out triumph over the Sea Robbers to give Bakgaga their maiden silverware in the form of the Telkom Knockout cup.

But the erstwhile Kaizer Chiefs sharpshooter has good reason to have faith in Micho Sredojevic’s team.

“Pirates is a highly tactical team. They are also highly technical. They are well treated by my big brother, Micho and his assistant. Tactically they are excellent,” Nyirenda waxed lyrical in a somewhat unbecoming way for an opposition coach.

He went on: “Tactically, I’ve seen teams since I came here five months ago.

“Pirates are looking more of a formidable team that can even go all the way in the Caf Championship,” Nyirenda said as he lavished his adversaries with praises.

They are, however, still some way off from capturing Africa’s premier club, knockout competition.

Next up for Pirates is Namibia’s African Stars whom they host at Orlando Stadium in the first round, first leg on Saturday.

It is a match they should be favourites to win given the manner of their progress to this stage.

In the preliminary round, the Buccaneers made light work of the Seychelles outfit Light Stars by hammering them 8-2 on aggregate following 5-1 and 3-1 wins at home and away respectively.

A similar home win on Saturday will see them make the trip to Namibia with very little pressure on them.

But for that to happen, they will have to play consistently for the full 90 minutes and not go to sleep after the break like they did on Tuesday against Free State Stars.

While the 3-1 scoreline would suggest they had the equivalent of a Sunday stroll in the park at Goble Park, Pirates were made to sweat as they looked like blowing a 2-0 first half lead when Stars pulled one back and put them under pressure after the break.

Only a 90th minute strike by Linda Mntambo got them to finally relax.

Nyirenda though is in no doubt Pirates are a quality outfit.

“Pirates have good, matured players who know what to do with the ball. They know how to manage the game. They can open up to score at any time,” Nyirenda gushed.