Premier league coaches heap praise on Pirates
JOBURG - The gusty fight that Orlando Pirates put up in Egypt to book a place in the finals of the Confederations of African Football (Caf) Confederations Cup has won them the hearts of many South Africans.
Absa Premiership coaches at the Telkom Knockout draw heaped praises on the Mighty Buccaneers’ never say die spirit which saw them upset one of the most decorated teams in African football, Al Ahly of Egypt.
Pirates beat Al Ahly 5-3 on goal aggregate to book a date with Tunisian outfit Etoile du Sahel in the finals of the Confederations Cup which will be played in November.
Newly-appointed Maritzburg United coach, Clive Barker, described Pirates as the ‘lions of the south’ of Africa and urged them to take the same fighting spirit they exhibited against the Red Devils in their clash with the Tunisian side.
“That was not a fight but an all-out war. I urge them to do the same in the finals against Etoile du Sahel,” Barker said.
Kaizer Chiefs coach, Steve Komphela, congratulated Pirates and wished them good luck in the finals.
“They were on national duty and hence they deserve our support and encouragement,” Komphela added.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Pitso Mosimane said the Buccaneers had made all South Africans proud.
Premier Soccer League CEO, Brand de Villiers described Pirates’ victory as a boost for South African football. “Their victory should be celebrated by all in the southern African region.
“It is a known fact that southern African clubs have struggled in continental club championships in the last 10 years or so.
“What Orlando Pirates has done and continues to do, is to affirm the belief that club football in the southern African region is on the ascendancy.
“To reach both Caf Champions League and Caf Confederations Cup finals in a space of two years is a massive feat and historical in the South African context,” De Villiers said.
He urged all and sundry to support the Pirates team as they attempt to overcome one more hurdle in the final of the Confederations Cup coming up in a few weeks.
The Democratic Alliance also congratulated Pirates. “We’re proud of their victory and will closely watch and support them when they face up to the Tunisian side, Etoile du Sahel in a two-legged tie in November,” said Kingsol Chabalala, Member of the Provincial Legislature and DA Gauteng spokesperson for sport.
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