Former Orlando Piratesmidfielder Mpho Makola is confident that the Buccaneers would emerge victorious against Al Ahlythis weekend.
The Sea Robbers host the Red Devils at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday afternoon in their second CAF Champions League group stage match. Having CR Belouizdad in Algeria, Pirates know a win on Saturday could put them closer to reaching the quarter-finals.
Makola says Al Ahly will not win Orlando Pirates
“I think Pirates has a solid squad, it’s a mixture of experience and a young talented generation. So, I’m positive and hope they will reach the final and hopefully go all the way,” Makola told Soccerbeat podcast.
“They are coming against a giant in Africa in Al Ahly but at home, I don’t think Al Ahly will beat us on Saturday,” added the ex-Orlando Pirates midfielder.
“I think the group stages are really tough, and it takes a toll on one, especially with the travelling and coming back to having to play domestic league. It’s tough but I think these boys, mentally are stronger and can persevere and go all the way.”
Mpho Makola was part of the Orlando Pirates team that lost 3-1 on aggregate to Al Ahly in the 2013 CAF CL final. The ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder has urged his former club to take advantage of the set-pieces.
“I’ve seen Hotto’s freekicks and I think he has got a decent left foot and so is Dlamini, but they just need to keep the consistency. I just hope they are practising their free kicks,” Makola said.
“And I’ve seen Rele. Rele has a decent technique, and he needs to finesse it and eventually, it will come.“I’ve seen Hotto’s freekicks and I think he has got a decent left foot and so is Dlamini, but they just need to keep the consistency. I just hope they are practising their free kicks,” Makola said.
“And I’ve seen Rele. Rele has a decent technique, and he needs to finesse it and eventually, it will come.”
The match between Orlando Pirates and Al Ahly will kick off at 15:00 at the Orlando Stadium this Saturday.
Can the Buccaneers go all the way?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.
