Johannesburg – Roger De Sa has acknowledged that Orlando Pirates have a true footballing “force” to overcome in TP Mazembe, if they are to make it to the group stages of the African Champions League for the first time since 2006.
Pirates gained some solace from their Absa Premiership troubles of late on Saturday evening as, in a slightly nervy encounter, they took down Zambian champions Zanaco 2-1 to book a meeting with the DR Congo giants in the final qualifying round.
The Buccaneers will play the home leg on the weekend of April 19-21, with the return leg in Lubumbashi from May 3-5.
Mazembe are not quite the powerhouse side that won back to back Champions Leagues in 2009 and 2010, and were runners up in the Fifa Club World Cup in 2010.
But Lamine N’Diaye’s side still reached the semi-finals of last year’s Champions League and are packed with international talent. There are six Zambians in their ranks, including African Nations Cup 2012 stars Stoppila Sunzu and Rainford Kalaba. And from the echelons of the DR Congo comes famous dancing goalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba, and the attacking genius of Tresor Mputu.
“Mazembe are one hell of a force in Africa, there is no doubt about it,” said De Sa after the Zanaco game.
“They went all the way to the World Club Championships and reached the final. They have a lot of experience. We play them first at home … it is important to keep a clean sheet and take something with us (to Lubumbashi).
“We saw the Zambian team at the Afcon, they have good Zambian players and from the Congolese team. There is no doubt, if we make it to the group stages, we will really have been tested.”
Pirates were certainly given a scare by Zanaco at FNB Stadium, Musonda Mwape’s goal early in the second half putting the Zambians within one goal of eliminating the Buccaneers. But Mpho Makola’s excellent free-kick, coupled with Khetowakhe Masuku’s fine early strike, ultimately saw Pirates add to their 1-0 lead from Lusaka.
“The 1-0 away was crucial for us,” added De Sa. “It set the base for us to play with a bit more confidence. We knew Zanaco would come at us; we are not used to teams coming at us when we play at home, they are usually more cagey. Today they opened up and I was happy that couple of fringe players got to play and got on the scoresheet.”
Masuku, and Makola, indeed, netted their first goals in black and white colours. One blow for Pirates was an injury to Andile Jali, which adds to Pirates’ growing casualty list in a busy schedule of league and continental fixtures.
“Andile has an ankle twist,” said De Sa. “We will see, we will put his ankle on ice, in a moon boot to compress it and try to get him ready, but there is a good chance he will miss Wednesday night’s game.”
Pirates play Ajax Cape Town on Wednesday night, looking to make up ground on Kaizer Chiefs, who gave those in pursuit of them hope by playing out a goalless draw with Golden Arrows on Saturday afternoon. Pirates are eight points behind the Amakhosi, but have two games in hand.
“We do (think we can fight for the title) as long as we have got a chance and there are games to be played and points to be won,” said De Sa. “I don’t see both clubs, Pirates and Chiefs winning all their games.” – The Star