Keep the dream alive!

When Orlando Pirates returned to the CAF Champions League after a four-year absence, Mamelodi Sundowns head coach Pitso Mosimane perhaps predictably, started talking up the possibility of a final between the two South African teams in this season’s edition. Whether that lofty dream will materialize remains up in the air, especially after the way the Buccaneers lost to Esperance in their last fixture. But they still have a chance to progress to the quarterfinals and need to beat FC Platinum of Zimbfabwe on Friday to keep their hopes alive. Masandawana, for their part, only need three points to seal a place among the top eight teams on the continent, with their next opponents being Nigeria’s Lobi Stars on Saturday. Both of Mzansi’s representatives play at home, but this being African inter-club competition football, no result is a given. To keep their dream of meeting each other in the final alive, Bucs and Downs MUST win their penultimate games of the group stages, while hoping for favourable results in the other games. Are they up to the task? Soccer Laduma’s Vuyani Joni and Lunga Adam find out. Why these are must-win games Orlando Pirates

The task seems easier for Mamelodi Sundowns than it does for Orlando Pirates, but such is the tricky nature of CAF Champions League football that foregone conclusions can only be made at one’s own peril, even with the attendant permutations there for all to see. The Buccaneers had a tough time unlocking the FC Platinum defence in Harare in their opening game of the group stage, and the Zimbabwean side has gone on to suffer a loss to Esperance and two successive defeats to Horoya. What this simply means is that FC Platinum are the group’s whipping boys, and a team of Pirates’ stature in African football, as evidenced by the number of people that turned up to support them in Zimbabwe, should have no problem beating them. Bucs only coming away with a point from that match has been put down to the pressure of the occasion by some, what with it having been the club’s first game in the group stages after a long absence from continental football, and an away crowd that was begging for magic from their stars from the other side of the border. Pressure is the name of the game, though, and there will be dollops of it at Orlando Stadium on Friday, with the Bucs fans expected to come out and support their team in their last home game of the group stages. Milutin Sredojevic’s men sit in a precarious position in that even if they register a win, they will still be hoping for the result in the other game, between Esperance and Horoya, to go their way. Most to the point, they will hope the defending champions beat Horoya so as to halt the Guinea side’s surge up the standings going into the last round of group matches. In that situation, Pirates would jump to second place, one point above Horoya, making the game between the two sides on March 16 a real do-ordie affair. The Soweto giants embarrassed Horoya with a 3-0 score line in their earlier fixture and revenge will be on the cards in Conakry, so getting a positive result this Friday will make things a lot easier for the Buccaneers.

Mamelodi Sundowns

Pitso Mosimane and his charges can already see the Promised Land, as they only need three points to qualify for the quarterfinals, but they will be wary of a potential banana skin in Nigerian side Lobi Stars, who beat them 2-1 earlier on in the group stages, much against the expectations of many. Revenge talk aside, Downs have to go for all three points in order to make their trip to Morocco for the last game against Wydad Casablanca a more pleasant one than it would be if their hopes of progression hinged on a positive result there. Since beating the Tshwane giants, Lobi have fallen to ASEC Mimosas in Abidjan and Wydad in their home turf – interestingly, both were 1-0 victories and both goals came via the penalty spot. However, they then went on to hold Wydad to a credible goalless draw away from home. If they can survive the tricks that have become a notorious feature of the North African sides, then it suggests that they could pose a danger to Sundowns and should not be taken lightly. However, this is the “big fish” for the South African side and they cannot afford to lose if they harbour hopes of a knockout stage passage and will want to avoid a repeat of last year’s scenario where they came up short at this stage, pipped at the post by a less fancied Horoya. Downs’ attacking prowess, enough to cut open any defence on their day, should be enough to see them bagging all three points and even scoring an avalanche of goals, and the likes of Themba Zwane, Gaston Sirino and Anthony Laffor will be key in ensuring that happens. For Lobi, it’s a game of their lives, where anything less than a win could see their Champions League adventure come to an end. They have to go for the kill and that’s where Sundowns could hurt them!

What the two teams are up

against

Some may not know much about the two teams that Pirates and Sundowns will be facing this weekend, while it can also be said that South African teams sometimes tend to suffer from a lackadaisical attitude when coming up against sides that are not traditionally big names on the continent, especially on these shores. We find out more about what danger FC Platinum and Lobi Stars will be posing this weekend by speaking to two legends from the clubs’ respective countries…

It’s going to be very difficult for Pirates… Alois Bunjira – Former Zimbabwean international

“I think even though FC Platinum are out of the competition, they will still come to South Africa to play their best football because they will be playing for pride. Obviously, they are going back to the CAF Champions League in August, so this game forms part of the preparation for the next edition. They will need to know where they stand against some of the top teams on the continent and get used to the standard. So, I don’t think they’ll go there to just walk around – they’ll play and give as good as they get. Knowing FC Platinum the way I do, I think they will play the way I know they like to play. I have not seen them play any differently. I can tell you they will come to South Africa and look to play a counter-attacking game. They like to build from the back and they will also look to score a goal or two. They’ve been struggling to score goals in the Champions League, so I’m sure they’ll say we are out of the competition, but let’s at least score a couple of goals. To be honest, it’s going to be very difficult for Pirates to break them down, as they are very organized defensively. Pirates will have realised this from their first encounter, where they played to a goalless draw. They might be struggling to score, but they are defensively sound. I know Pirates are an attacking team that plays with a lot of flair, but they will need to bring their best attacking form on the day. FC Platinum haven’t really had an outstanding player, as they play as a team, protecting the ball. Since their Top Goalscorer of last season left for South Africa, they haven’t really had somebody that I can say stands head and shoulders above the rest and can hurt Pirates. The one impressive guy is Godknows Murwira, who joined them recently but has not been getting much gametime. He is a midfielder-cum-right wingback and is a pretty damn good player. The other notable player is Farai Madhanaga who plays as a defensive midfielder and is really good when going forward.”

Their record has been atrocious Idah Peterside – Former Nigerian international goalkeeper

“In my opinion, I think Lobi Stars may struggle against Mamelodi Sundowns. I say this because at their home in Pretoria, Sundowns will have an upper hand. It is how I think will happen largely because Lobi Stars are not good travellers. They are very difficult to play against at their home, but a disappointing lot when playing away. I think the difference between the two teams is that Sundowns has mastered how to play in Africa as well as the tactics you use when playing away or when playing at home. They (Sundowns) have gained a lot of experience in a double quick time and that is why they not only won the African Champions League three years ago, but are today considered among the favourites to win the title. I am not too sure if Lobi Stars have mastered the tactics of playing away. Even in the Nigerian league, their home record is very impressive, but when they play away, they are shockingly poor. I guess at home they are under pressure to perform and usually play above themselves due to the support of their fans. But when they find themselves in a strange environment, they do not seem to have the mental strength to compete. By so saying, I’m not implying that Sundowns should fold their hands and conclude that it would be a walk in the park. Football is a very funny and unpredictable game and, who knows, on the day Lobi Stars could rise to the occasion even though their away record has been atrocious from as far as I have known them.”

Word from the legends We owe our people a lot! Lucky Lekgwathi – Former Orlando Pirates defender

“The first leg in Zimbabwe wasn’t too bad, although we missed a lot of chances, but that happens when you’re playing away. Having been part of the team, one of the things we always emphasised in our Champions League campaigns was never to focus on referees, the opposition’s treatment, poor facilities and everything that has nothing to do with the game. You just focus on getting the job done on the field and go home. Here at home, we have to do better in terms of converting our chances otherwise they will come back to haunt us. Not taking anything away from the opponents, but Pirates shouldn’t struggle to win this game. We just need to keep them under pressure, score as many goals as possible early on and trust that our supporters will be there in their numbers. This is a mustwin game for us so that we don’t rely on the last game of the group stages in order to secure our place in the knockout stages. I know the technical team will do their homework and put out a strong team because we all know the importance of winning this game. You see, during our time, we had the likes of Oupa Manyisa, Andile Jali and other good match winners who were capable of influencing the results. Now I look at a number of guys who are capable of doing the same thing, but I have to single out Thembinkosi Lorch. I believe he’s been outstanding and if anyone asked me for my Player of the Season, it would have to be Lorch, hands down! Having said that, Pirates aren’t a one-man team because everyone knows the privilege of wearing that jersey and the competition that exists in the camp. The guys all play for the team and not just as individuals or for themselves and that’s another very important fact. Lorch is one of the selfless players in the team because he doesn’t just score but creates for his teammates as well. Sometimes he will lay a pass to a teammate even when he’s in a good position to take a shot. That’s why I rate him so highly. My message to the boys is very simple: Don’t forget that you’re

representing millions of our people. Our supporters, chairman, management, your families and the whole country are behind you and expect you to get the job done. Continue playing as a team and take nothing for granted. Make sure to treat FC Platinum the same way you’d treat Esperance. We have to grab this opportunity to restore the faith and support shown by our team and supporters over the years. We owe our people a lot because we’ve been to the Champions League and Confederation Cup finals but failed to win them! Now is the time to make our supporters happy and possibly go all the way.”

It isn’t going to be a walk in the park Lovers Mohlala – Former Mamelodi Sundowns defender

“This is a do-or-die match for Mamelodi Sundowns and I think it was good that coach Pitso (Mosimane) rested some of the players he feels will play an important role in the Champions League. We’re going to need all the weapons we have for this encounter because it is not going to be easy. Lobi Stars have improved since the last game we played them. We can’t have them putting us under pressure or scoring first – that can’t happen. Yes, some people might say a draw will be enough, but I beg to differ because when you are on top of your group, you are at an advantage. Our people also need to fill up the stadium. Taking the game to Makhulong Stadium wouldn’t be a bad idea at all because, just like with the national team, these people feel like they are in Europe when they visit South Africa. We make them too comfortable here at home when the same can’t be said about them hosting us. Lobi took the game to an Astro turf, which didn’t suit Sundowns at all and that was done on purpose. We must put them at a disadvantage so that we can capitalise instead of being too nice. People also need to come out in their numbers to support Sundowns and Orlando Pirates because they’re representing us, not themselves. We must learn to support one another and only compete when we play against each other. I think Gaston Sirino and Themba Zwane have been doing very well and continue to prove to be dangerous weapons for our team. I expect them to star against Lobi and I really hope we will keep a clean sheet. We believe in Sundowns, but we know it is not going to be a walk in the park.”

Mzansi, get behind Bucs and Downs!

There is a feeling that South African teams haven’t fully grasped the importance of a home game in the Champions League, especially when one looks at what our clubs have to go through when travelling. This weekend presents the chance for fans to put their club allegiances aside and come out in their numbers to support both Pirates and Sundowns in their quest to add a second star above their club badge. What do two of the most recognisable local supporters have to say to their fellow supporters ahead of this massive weekend of African football on our doorstep?

Let’s support them Saddam Maake – Kaizer Chiefs supporter

“First of all, I was with supporters from both teams last weekend and I have assured them that we will be supporting their teams in these important games. What I need to warn both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns supporters about is the abuse of Kaizer Chiefs supporters. They must refrain from teasing us about not having a star on our badge because some people don’t take that joke kindly. I don’t mind if they tease me about it because I’m a proper football supporter, not a fan, so I can take jokes, but some people can’t. Let everyone support the two teams this weekend and forget about other teams just for this weekend. Their participation in the Champions League is good for South African football and we also need to learn from these other African countries. When our teams play away, they get intimidated by the capacity crowds they play in front of, but it becomes a completely different story when our teams are hosting. This can’t continue at all and we have to sort it out. I told the guys over the weekend that they have my full support this weekend because they’re representing us as well. They can also battle it out for the league title because we stand no chance of winning it – however, the Nedbank Cup belongs to us! Let us support them and create a great atmosphere at both games, without abusing one another. Let us put our differences aside and focus on supporting Pirates and Sundowns until the visiting teams are gone before we resume our domestic battles and teasing one another about not having a star on your team’s jersey.”

Let’s paint the stadium yellow Robert Nkosi – Mamelodi Sundowns supporter

“You see, now we are talking euros and dollars, not just rands. The CAF Champions League is very important to us and this game comes at a very important time when we’ve secured our top spot on the domestic league table. I warned those who were occupying our position to make copies of the log table then as they would need it later on in the season. Now is that time because we are now back where we belong. We are going to attack the continent now that we are happy with our position in the league. You must also remember that this game against Lobi is the most important we’ve played so far in this competition. In fact, it is even more important than our last game of the group stages against Wydad because this is the game that can secure our place in the knockout stages. Everyone should go to the stadium to support the boys regardless of the team they support. I would like to urge everyone to paint the stadium yellow so that Lobi feel (that they are) away from home. This is one game that is going to put us on the map and get us closer to our dream of getting the second star. In other words, this is our key to the knockout stages and that’s why every South African should fill up the stadium and support both Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns this weekend. These are two very important games not just for the respective teams but the country as a whole. Like I said, Lobi will give us our key to the knockout stages and this is a very important game. I would like to wish Pirates all the best because we’d like to make history by meeting in the final of this tournament, with the first leg played at Orlando Stadium. We are both going for our second star and this one can’t be bought at a shop, you get it on the field of play. Let’s paint the stadium yellow and put a lot of pressure on the

opposition.”

What do the CAF numbers look like?

• Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates have been representing the Absa Premiership at continental level in the 2018/19 edition, and while the tournament is typically out of the reach of South African sides in recent times (save for Sundowns’ 2016 success), both have acquitted themselves reasonably well.

• Both sides see improved passing accuracy in the CAF Champions League than in their own domestic league. For example, Pirates average 83.4% passing accuracy in the domestic league, but have 85.2% passing accuracy in the CAF Champions League. That may be due to a drop-off in incisive attacking play, though – swapping a gung-ho domestic approach for a more reserved one in continental competition.

• This is reflected in the increase of passes going backwards in continental competition (17.6%) compared to domestically (16.2%).

• So, while they’re finding teammates with greater success, it’s not penetrative. Pirates are averaging 13.2 shots per game in PSL this season, but they only attempted five shots in each of their two games against Esperance.

• They have averaged 4.5 shots on target per game in the PSL, while they were only able to hit the target once across two matches against the African champions.

• Sundowns (39 shots in four games) have averaged 9.75 shots per game in the group stage, but they average 14.4 in the PSL – a considerable drop-off.

• In spite of Downs hitting the target 10 times against ASEC Mimosas in first game, they couldn’t find the target once in the return fixture against the Ivory Coast team. They average 4.9 shots on target per game in PSL this season, the highest ratio in the league.

• Away from home in the PSL, that’s completely flipped. Only Chippa United and Baroka FC have a lower conversion rate than Sundowns at home, while Sundowns lead the league in conversion percentage when on the road (14.1%, compared to the league average 8.0%).