Pirates fully charged
ORLANDO Pirates face a further test of the growing mental strength they have displayed in the African Champions League when they meet Zamalek at El Gouna Stadium in Egypt.
The match was originally to be played behind closed doors because of the tense political situation in the country, but the Egyptian Football Association said on Thursday that supporters would be allowed into the 12000-capacity stadium, Bucs coach Roger de Sa said on Friday
Pirates' superb Champions League run has included braving 40°C heat, though in front of an empty stadium, for a 3-0 win against Al Ahly at El Gouna early in August.
That victory saw Bucs bounce back from a 0-0 opening home draw against Congo-Brazzaville's AC Leopards.
A 4-1 home win against Zamalek followed, then last weekend's 1-0 first leg MTN8 semifinal victory against Kaizer Chiefs.
Now Pirates will attempt to seal a heady August by beating Zamalek, again in the heat, and this time in front of home supporters, too, to move a step closer towards a berth in the semifinals.
Pirates have stunned Egyptian football with back-to-back victories in the Champions League against Al Ahly and Zamalek, 12-time winners between them.
When Bucs arrived in the Red Sea resort of El Gouna three weeks ago to play Al Ahly, the local reaction was that the South Africans were in for a thrashing.
"There's a lot more respect now. Everyone here is saying we're the best team in the group," De Sa said.
Striker Lennox Bacela said Bucs knew that the job was only half done.
"There's still a lot of work to do. What we've done in the last few weeks will mean nothing if we don't reach the semifinals," he said.
Pirates might have ended trophy-less last season, but the core of the squad that won back-to-back trebles in 2011 and last year is still there, led by Bucs' strong senior player brigade, such as captain Lucky Lekgwathi and defenders Rooi Mahamutsa and Siyabonga Sangweni.
Pirates expect a backlash from last-placed Zamalek, though Bacela believes the White Knights' desperation for a first win in Group A could play into Bucs' hands.
"It could be an open game and that would be ideal for us," he said.