Memela confident of Pirates win despite Horoya’s home form

Winning in Conakry, Guinea will be a gruelling challenge, but Orlando Pirates winger Luvuyo Memela believes Bucs can overcome Horoya AC when they meet in their final Caf Champions League group stage tie at the September 28 Stadium tomorrow.

The West Africans are unbeaten in their last 14 matches at home in the tournament. With Tunisian giants Esperance having booked their spot in the last eight with one game to spare, having accumulated 11 points, the battle is between Bucs and Horoya for the runners-up position.

READ: Pirates winger Memela happy to be back

Bucs are third in the group with six points, while Horoya are on seven points, meaning only a win will guarantee Bucs a spot in the knockout stages, while a draw for Horoya will be enough.

“It’s not going to be an easy game, but we have won most of our games away from home this season. So, I think it is not something that can’t be done. We just have to focus and not get excited, and also try not to be intimidated by their fans,” said the winger.

“We are ready, we know what is at stake. We just have to think about the game on Saturday and not think about anything that is happening around us.”

Having returned from a knee injury last month, Memela was introduced as a second-half substitute during Bucs’ 2-2 draw with FC Platinum in their previous Champions League match.

He says the last time Bucs competed in the competition he was mostly on the bench, but right now he is looking forward to making an impact by playing, especially going into this game against Horoya which they have to win in order to make the quarterfinals of the competition for the first time since 2013 where they went all way to the final, only to lose out to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.

Bucs won 3-0 at Orlando Stadium.

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