Orlando Pirates’ quest to conquer Africa once again continues when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek.
|||Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates’ quest to conquer Africa once again continues when they host Egyptian giants Zamalek in their second Group B match in the CAF Confederations Cup at the Mbombela Stadium on Saturday.
The Buccaneers began their group stage campaign with the best result possible two weeks ago when they beat Congolese club, AC Leopards 1-0 away from home.
The 1995 CAF Champions League winners are a proven force in the continental competitions and reached the final of the Champions League yet again in 2013. However they lost out 3-1 on aggregate to Al Ahly, after holding the Egyptians to a 1-1 draw at the Orlando Stadium, before losing 2-0 in Cairo.
Most of the players that were in that squad are still part of the Pirates team, and they carry an enormous amount of experience of playing in Africa, hence the team continues to get good results in the competition.
The likes of Rooi Mahamutsa, Lehlohonolo Masalesa, Sifiso Myeni, Thabo Matlaba, Siyabonga Sangweni, Happy Jele, Mpho Makola and captain Oupa Manyisa have made things a little bit easier for players who are playing in the continental competition for the first time like Thabo Rakhale.
The skilful winger has been a key part of Eric Tinkler’s team since returning to the club last year, after being loaned out to Polokwane City.
“Well, so far it has been good playing in the Confederations Cup. I mean we have been doing very well as a team and we are taking each game as it comes by giving our all which has led to the positive results,” said Rakhale.
“Like any other game, it is going to be a tough against Zamalek, but we will be up for it.
“We are playing at home and we have to use that to our advantage so that we can get the maximum points.”
Pirates have been knocked out in the quarter-finals of the Champions League three times.
In 1996 and 1997 they were sent packing by Nigeria’s Shooting Stars. And in 2004, they lost out to Malawi’s Bakili Bullets.
Meanwhile, Zamalek will be looking to settle a score with Pirates over the weekend.
The last time the two teams met was in the Champions League, where the Buccaneers hammered the Egyptians 4-1 at home, before losing 2-1 away.
The Star
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