RIGHT MEN FOR BUCS JOB
MOTHIBI: EX PLAYER BELIEVES NCIKAZI & DAVIDS CAN TAKE THEM ALL THE WAY
Pirates must not drop their intensity simply because they hold a commanding first leg advantage.
With Orlando Pirates on the verge of qualifying for the Caf Confederation Cup final, former Bucs striker James Mothibi has warned the players not to put themselves under too much pressure.
The Buccaneers host Libyan outfit Al-Ahli Tripoli in the semifinal, second leg at Orlando Stadium on Sunday with the hosts carrying a 2-0 advantage from the first leg in Libya, thanks to goals from Innocent Maela and Goodman Mosele.
Mothibi, who has represented Pirates in the past in continental tournaments, believes the side is on the right path under co-head coaches Fadlu Davids and Mandla Ncikazi.
He says all Pirates need to do in the second leg is to have the same approach and mentality they had in Libya, and that will help them all the way to lifting the trophy.
“The attitude Pirates had in the away game should continue. I don’t think they should change anything. If they can get goals and play the way they played away and do more than that at home, that would be ideal,” said Mothibi, who is currently unearthing raw talent through the James Mothibi Sports Academy.
“It is not easy playing in Africa. But with that attitude, performance and willingness, I don’t think the coaches need to change anything. They can only change if there is probably an injury or an illness, but in terms of the game, they should approach it in the same manner they did in Libya.”
“So, they must not put pressure on themselves because the supporters are there and they don’t want to disappoint them. They should tell themselves that they are going to entertain the fans by scoring goals. What I can say to you is that Pirates are going to the final and they will win it.”
Mothibi also cautioned the Buccaneers not to take the game lightly since they are playing at home, saying Pirates’ Achilles heel has been playing well in away matches in Caf competitions, but flopping at home.
“Playing at home is an advantage, but they must not tell themselves that because they will relax. Even during my days at Pirates, when we played away we would play good football, but at home, the performance dropped,” he added.
“In the away game, they played as a team. So, they just have to stick to playing for one another and be united.”