Ofori: Bucs can win the trophy
KEEPER: NOT EASY, BUT THINGS HAVE FALLEN IN PLACE
Orlando Pirates goalkeeper Richard Ofori may have only come back into the team in the latter stages of their Caf Confederation Cup campaign, but he has certainly been an influential figure in their run to the final.
The Buccaneers face Moroccan side RS Berkane at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria tomorrow night in the final (kickoff 9pm), and Ofori believes they can bring the trophy back home.
“The journey has been good,” said the Ghanaian keeper.
“Now everything has fallen into place because we are in the final. It was not easy – the travelling was extensive. Sometimes you travel for 14 to 15 hours, so you don’t get enough rest.”
While Pirates have had a dream run in the continent’s second biggest club competition, they have flattered to deceive on the local front. The Soweto giants will finish another season without a domestic trophy.
This is why it is so important to Ofori and his teammates to bring the Confederation Cup to Mayfair.
“Congratulations to the guys for the good job done in the cup, even though things didn’t ... the way we expected in the league. We have to put the league aside and focus on the cup, because we are in the final now,” added Ofori.
“The most important thing is that we deliver for the team and make South Africa and ourselves proud.”
Pirates coach Fadlu Davids also credited the players for their efforts, which have seen him and his co-head coach Mandla Ncikazi on the verge of their first trophy.
“Our journey has been a good experience, travelling to various parts of Africa.
“Some players were experiencing it for the first time, some have been doing it for the past four years,” said Davids.
“Those experiences help in terms of players who have been there and done that.
“It has not been easy ... a strong mentality was required from the players to be able to get to this stage. We have to give credit to them because it has been a roller-coaster.”