Brighton Mhlongo did not feature in Orlando Pirates' fairytale 2013 CAF Champions League campaign but says he learnt a lot while he was watching and motivating the late Senzo Meyiwa from the bench.

Mhlongo has been a key figure in the Buccaneers' run to the Confederation Cup group stages, which begin with tomorrow's clash against AC Leopards in Dolisie in Congo (4.30pm SA time), while Egyptian giants Zamalek host Tunisian side CS Sfaxien in the other group B match in Cairo.

"You'll be surprised that I was very much involved in 2013. I was the only back-up for Senzo and I had to keep him on his toes. I was motivating him more than competing with him. I have learnt a lot from that. I learnt how to adapt to hostile conditions.

"I can get better as time goes by and I am always willing to learn. I am grateful to play in such a big tournament. It's helping my game, but it's important to play for the team."

Pirates want to begin the group stages with a victory, but Leopards are tough nuts to crack at home.

The 2012 Confed Cup champions have lost just once at home in CAF club competitions in the last three years, against Real Bamako of Mali, and will make life difficult for the Buccaneers, who lost 1-0 in Dolisie two years ago.

Pirates, however, feel they are better prepared this time and know what to expect from their opponents.

"The aim is not just to reach the group stages. We want to surpass what we achieved in the Champions League. We want to do more, but we won't put too much pressure on ourselves. Now we just have to make sure we complete the task, which is to win in Congo," said the Pirates number one.