Orlando Pirates face major test

All roads will lead to the famous Orlando Stadium in Soweto for the epic first leg final clash of the Confederation of African Football Champions League between Orlando Pirates and trophy holders Egyptian giants, Al Ahly on 2 November.

This will arguably be the most important club football match in South Africa, and all football lovers have been called to rally behind the Buccaneers and ensure they have an emphatic victory at home before travelling to a hostile climate in Egypt in two weeks time.

Pirates coach Roger de Sa has promised to pull out all the stops to ensure the sea robbers are victorious in the two legged final, especially at home.

“This may be a tall order but we have a surprise up our sleeves and our fans can expect a good showing from the boys,” he said on the eve of the crucial encounter that will decide the champions of Africa.

It has been a long road to the deciding match for the two teams, with Orlando Pirates having already featured in 14 matches against sides from Comoros Islands, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo, Egypt and Tunisia. It’s a do or die game for Pirates, as both they and Al Ahly have met twice in the group stages and are set to meet again twice in the final.

The Bucaneers’ quest to add a second star to their badge and help move South African football forward now comes down to the clash set for kick off at 8.30pm. Pirates have a full squad except for the limping Siyabonga Sangweni who is nursing an injury.

Standard Bank, the official sponsor of the Confederations of African Football Champions League, will set up a fan zone at Orlando Stadium to provide fans with a platform for interaction. At the fan zone will be Standard Bank ambassador and former Orlando Pirates captain Edward Motale, who took the to a 1995 Champions League win. Fans can have their picture taken with him.