Orlando Pirates’ CAF Champions League dream continues today in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Coach Abdeslam Ouaddou‘s Buccaneers are in Lubumbashi for their second preliminary round first-leg clash against Saint Eloi-Lupopo, and a group-stage ticket is on the line.
CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: SAINT-ELOI LUPOPO VS ORLANDO PIRATES
So what’s at stake? A win in the Congo would give Amabhakabhaka a crucial advantage before the return leg in Soweto next weekend.
Victory over both legs would take the Sea Robbers into the group stages, effectively the last 16 of the competition. The groups feature four teams each, with the top two advancing to the quarterfinals.
The Sea Robbers stormed into this round after dismantling Lesotho champions Lioli FC 7-0 on aggregate. Lupopo, on the other hand, squeezed through a tight contest against Sudanese giants Al Merrikh, winning 1-0 overall.
Under French-Moroccan coach Abdeslam Ouaddou, Bucs have looked ruthless and refreshed this season. The stats back it up, 11 wins from 14 games across all competitions, with just two losses and one draw. Their defence has been watertight too, keeping seven clean sheets while scoring 24 goals and conceding only four. Ouaddou has even written his name into the Bucs’ history books as the first coach to win eight straight matches in charge.
While the Congolese season only kicks off on 30 October, Lupopo have played two friendly games, drawing two friendly games 0-0 against Groupe Bazano and AS Simba earlier this month.
ASSISTANT COACH MANDLA NCIKAZI PREVIEW
Ncikazi said the team has prepared well and is focused on executing their plan. “We just trained, we just prepared. We just want to control what happens in the four lines,” he said.
He explained that Pirates are determined not to let the away conditions affect their mindset. “All the other conditions outside should not be able to affect us. We are used to this,” he noted, adding that their target is simple: “try to score and win the match in the first leg so that you can seal it at home.”
The assistant coach also spoke about the team’s tactical approach. He said the players have adapted well and understand the importance of control. “It is important to be in control in such matches,” he explained. “Try to keep the ball as much as you can. There will be situations where we won’t have it, but what’s important is what we do when we have it and when we don’t,” Ncikazi added.
Also read: Ex-Downs star on Pirates’ hot form: ‘People are bored with Sundowns’