This is Orlando Pirates’ final, says coach Micho
The clash between Bucs and the Guinean outfit will decide who will join group leaders Esperance in the last eight.
Micho Sredojevic, former coach of Orlando Pirates will be back in court in May. :Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images.
Desperately needing a win to qualify for the Caf Champions League quarterfinals, Orlando Pirates coach Micho Sredojevic has labelled their final group tie against Horoya AC as a final before the final, with the two teams set to lock horns at the 28 September Stadium on Saturday.
Bucs are third in Group B with six points from five games, after playing to a 2-2 draw with FC Platinum last Friday, one point behind Horoya AC who are second with seven points going into the last group stage games.
The clash between Bucs and the Guinean outfit will decide who will join group leaders Esperance in the last eight.
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The Pirates coach believes they have what it takes to do the job, especially after their hard-fought draw on Friday.
“We started very well in the last four games, we also started this game (against Platinum) with the desire to win. I’m saying we wanted to win, to get three points. Still, a draw will be enough there (in Guinea). But at the same moment, it is an early Caf Champions League final for us.
“We are going there without any pre-conceptions – we clearly know what is needed to take us through,” said Sredojevic.
“So, this is a chance to grow as a team because Friday was a great lesson for the team, how to earn a draw from 2-0 down.
“Some teams would have given up, but I give credit to the players and the technical team for their support. A never-say-die spirit is the character of this team. ”
Pirates convincingly beat Horoya 3-0 in the first match between these two sides, played at the Orlando Stadium, but the Bucs coach knows very well it won’t be easy in Conakry.
“We know that it’s not easy to go there, having so many external factors from the weather, the opponents’ field, the crowd and other issues.
“But if you’re going to ask me where I draw my inspiration from is when you sit here wearing this badge you need to believe. We believed until the end of the match on Friday, we believe now and are looking to fight so that we can go through to the quarterfinals of the Champions League.”
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