Lungu’s SuperSport eyeing CAF spot against Pirates
SUPERSPORT United attacker Gamphani Lungu expects a tough visit to Orlando Pirates tomorrow (3pm kick-off), given that the two teams are chasing respective targets.
SuperSport will make the short trip from Tshwane to Orlando hoping to come away with all three points from their DStv Premiership showdown.
That win could see them finish fourth on the log – provided that TS Galaxy drop points away to Polokwane City – and possibly qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup next season.
This follows reports that the league’s fourth-placed team will play in the competition with the third-placed side because Nedbank Cup finalists Pirates and Sundowns are guaranteed a top-three finish on the log.
Should that be the case, SuperSport will be making their return to the competition after crashing out in the group stage in the recently concluded season.
Lungu believes the experience gained last season will stand them in good stead should they qualify again.
“The win will be very important for the team because we need that position where we can get back to Africa,” Lungu said yesterday.
Getting that win is easier said than done, though. Pirates, just like SuperSport, are eyeing a return to Africa, albeit via the Champions League route, which requires them to finish second in the league.
Already, Pirates’ fate is out of their hands as they are third on the log with 49 points, one behind second-placed Stellenbosch FC.
Pirates head into the final match against SuperSport after back-to-back losses. Hence, they need to do their part against SuperSport and win, and hope that Stellies drop points away to Richards Bay tomorrow.
Lungu concedes that it won’t be an easy game for either side.
“Yes, they are chasing for that number two spot, plus they haven’t won in the past two games. It will be difficult for both teams,” Lungu said.
“They are fighting for something, and we are fighting for something.”
Pirates are favourites on paper, given that they boast a talented squad.
SuperSport, meanwhile, have had to rely on youngsters this season after players such as Maswanganyi and Mbatha were sold to stabilise the club’s finances.
Lungu, however, says senior players such as himself, Thulani Hlatshwayo and club captain Onismor Bhasera have ensured that they have made the youngsters feel at home.