Orlando Pirates’ Caf Confederations Cup game on Sunday will be the first time that Thabo Rakhale has played in Egypt.
Against Zamalek, the skillful midfielder expects similar weather and field conditions to the ones the Buccaneers found in Tunisia, where they defeated CF Sfaxien 0-1 in July.
“That day our performance was superb, I’d say,” Rakhale said this week.
At the Petro Sport Stadium, Pirates will find a similar opponent style-wise, playing to the North African brand of structure and toughness.
The Egyptian giants came out on top when they visited Orlando Stadium in July, coming back from a goal down to defeat Pirates 2-1.
“I think the lack of experience is why we ended up losing that game,” Pirates coach Eric Tinkler said of the defeat. “We didn’t know how to protect our lead, we didn’t know how to play for the result. But I think if you looked at the games after that we improved in that area.”
Rakhale said that the team will try to use their superior mobility and versatility to get around Zamalek’s defence, while maintaining their own structure.
“The coach gives us the freedom to go all over the field for as long as we’re keeping the shape of the formation,” the midfielder said.
“The type of formation we want to play, in terms of offense, is going to be very different to the type of formation we’re going to be using defensively and it’s about the players being able to adapt,” Tinkler said.
Both sides are level on points and have already qualified for the semi-finals. What remains is which team will top Group B. Securing the top spot will earn an away first leg in the semis, which the Sea Robbers view as an easier route to the final.
On a personal level Rakhale added that the team’s continental adventure has given him a chance to gain experience and confidence.
“As a player it helped me grow,” he said. “It has helped in a way that I can mark and attack at the same time.” - The Star