SA behind Pirates in Egypt Confed clash
JOBURG - Orlando Pirates leave Johannesburg tonight for Cairo in Egypt to take on Al Ahly in the second leg of the final of the Confederations of African Football Champions League.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula has urged the Orlando Pirates team, who leave for Egypt tonight to take on continental giants Al Ahly in the Confederations of African Football Champions League final, to bring home the second star.
Mbalula promised the Buccaneers that South Africa will be fully behind them in their quest to bring glory to the country.
“You must not disappoint us at this crucial moment. I urge all South Africans to rally behind this gallant team and give all they can to ensure they are victorious in Egypt this weekend,” said Mbalula.
Pirates take on Al Ahly, the seven-time winners of the Champions League and title holders, at The Arab Contractors Stadium in Cairo on 10 November at 6pm.
Pirates were held to a 1-1 draw by the mighty Al Ahly at home last weekend at the Orlando Stadium during the first leg of the final. The Egyptian giants scored first and Pirates piled on the pressure in search of goals. They were rewarded in the referee’s optional time, when Thabo Matlaba scored a beauty that sent supporters on the stands into a frenzy.
Pirates will be without captain Happy Jele and centre mid-fielder Andile Jali. The pair will be serving a one-match suspension each after having picked up yellow cards in the first leg of the final and in prior matches in the group stages of the competition.
