JOB IS NOT DONE
PIRATES CANNOT RELY ON A TWO-GOAL BUFFER
Bucs fans really need something to cheer about in light of their poor domestic form.
Orlando Pirates might have a good advantage over Al-Ahli Tripoli going into the second leg of their semifinal of the Caf Confederation Cup at the Orlando Stadium on Sunday, but co-coach Mandla Ncikazi has warned that the tie is not yet over.
Pirates secured a vital 2-0 victory away from home in Libya last
weekend, with Innocent Maela and Goodman Mosele securing the win for the Soweto giants.
Pirates created plenty of opportunities and could have won the tie by a bigger margin had they utilised them.
Scoring two away goals was huge for the Buccaneers, meaning Tripoli will need to pull out all the stops at Orlando to have a chance.
“We played a very good team. This Tripoli team is very good tactically, they can play direct, they are very skillful,” said Ncikazi.
“One must give credit to our players, they applied themselves very well. We must thank our team management for all the logistical support. I am just happy and proud of the team for the win away from home. It was important to score and get a result.
“But the game is not over. It is pretty much half-time and we are leading. When we go home they can do the same thing. We will treat the game very seriously, (but) it is important to understand the dynamics of African football. An away goal is important.
“We will treat the match as nil-nil, and respect them because they are a good team and try to proceed into the next round. We are not going to change anything by doing less. We are just going to prepare for a very good team,” he added.
The winner will reach the final of the continental tournament, which will be a huge chance for the Buccaneers to give their fans something to cheer about in light of their poor domestic form.