Bucs to end 27-year wait for Africa glory

• Pirates go into Caf Confederation Cup final against RS Berkane determined to get the job done

Orlando Pirates will go in search of their first continental trophy since lifting the 1995 Africa Cup of Champions‚ and aim to convert a place in the final into silverware at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, having fallen at the last hurdle in their past two in Africa.

Pirates beat Al Ahli 2-1 on aggregate in the semifinal despite losing the home leg 1-0 at Orlando Stadium last Sunday.

Bucs take on RS Berkane of Morocco in the final.

Pirates co-coach Fadlu Davids felt a mood of undercelebration at that result. He said Pirates’ non-playing squad members against Ahli made a motivational video for the playing squad.

“The non-playing squad sent a video to the technical team‚ and we created a video of encouragement and the quote was: ‘Nobody remembers the finalist that loses the match’‚” Davids said.

“That was the message. It was as clear as that. Immediately it turns on a switch in the players’ thinking to say we don’t want to go to the final and celebrate. Yes‚ we’ve got to the final‚ but without winning the final.

“This disappointment in our previous match was maybe a blessing in disguise where we made the final by losing 1-0‚ came into the changeroom and with our mixed emotion [goalkeeper] Richard Ofori wanted to hit some of our players because we conceded a goal.

“And the mood in the change room after the match was perfect in hindsight. There were not a lot of celebrations‚ [which is good] because the celebrations are for after the final‚ not for making the final,” said Davids.

“And that is the mindset for us. We as Orlando Pirates want to go into this final and get the job done.”

At the same time, Mamelodi Sundowns co-coach Manqoba Mngqithi has put rivalry aside to send good wishes to Pirates for their Cup final against RS Berkane.

By qualifying for the final, Pirates will finish their Premier Soccer League (PSL) fixtures beyond the final day of the campaign this weekend as they have three more games to play.

“It is encouraging to have an SA team competing in that space,” said Mngqithi as Sundowns prepared to take on Royal AM at Chatsworth Stadium in their final PSL match on Saturday, when they will be handed their championship trophy.

In a statement likely to divide soccer fans, Mngqithi added that South Africans must support Pirates in their mission to lift the title. Downs, Pirates and Chiefs fans are not known for backing their rivals even when they are flying the flag for the country in continental competition.

PATRIOTIC SUPPORT

“That should ignite fire in all of us as South Africans. If we are patriotic enough, we really have to support and show that one of ours stands a chance of conquering the continent.

“Maybe it will bring a glimpse of hope for SA football and the country in general to see one of our teams lifting a continental tournament [trophy].

“The confidence I have in [Pirates coaches] Mandla [Ncikazi], Fadlu [Davids] and the whole team suggests they are a team that has the capacity to win it,” said Mngqithi.

Sundowns were knocked out in the quarterfinals of the Champions League by Petro Atlético and are left with two matches to complete their domestic season.

The game against Royal AM this weekend is their last in the league and they will return next weekend for the Nedbank Cup final against Marumo Gallants at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in search of a treble of trophies.