Orlando Pirates - Djabal FC Preview: Pirates seek Champions League revival

15 Feb 2013 12:07:00 PM

Pirates begin their CAF Champions league campaign against lowly Djabal FC on Saturday with Roger De Sa seeking to rectify the Buccaneers recent poor displays in Africa

Orlando Pirates coach Roger de Sa will have his first opportunity to display his sides’ continental ambitions on Saturday night, as the Buccaneers kick-off their CAF champions league campaign against Djabal FC from the Comoros.

Pirates have been a dominant force in local South African football, achieving an unprecedented double treble in the last two seasons.

The side once more sits on top of the PSL standings after overtaking bitter rivals Kaizer Chiefs during the midweek fixtures.

But the Buccaneers continental form has left much to be desired, after being knocked out last year in the preliminary stages by Angolan club Recreativo do Libolo 4-2 on aggregate.

The last time Pirates tasted continental success was in 1995 and Roger de Sa has reiterated his desire to dominate Africa once again.

“At Pirates, with that one star [from 1995] on their badge, they want a second one - and to prove they can win the continent,” De Sa told reporters.

"At Pirates they see this as a challenge and they always want to go as far as possible and win as many games as we can in Africa," he said

The match is set to be played in Orlando on Saturday evening with the return leg in the Comoros scheduled for March 1st.

Djabal FC is an unknown quantity for the Buccaneers according to club captain Lucky Lekgwhati who believes that his side are rearing to go in the CAF Champions league.

“FC Djabal are a closed book, there’s not much that we know of this team apart from the fact that they are from the Comoros.

“Closed book or not, we are going to prepare for this game like it was a cup final. We are not going to underestimate them and definitely, this time around we will be ready for them.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Orlando Pirates captain Lucky Lekghwati wishes to emulate the class of 1995 of Jerry Sikhosana, John Moeti, Edward Motale, Gavin Lane, Mark Fish, Tebogo Moloi, Williams Okpara among others.
Djabal FC is an unknown quantity, but does top the local league in the Comoros displaying that they will be no pushovers.
Roger de Sa coached Wits during a disappointing Champions League campaign, where he utilised fringe players.
The Buccaneers are the only South African football side to have won the CAF Champions League.

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