Orlando Pirates are set to embark on a daunting journey to Ivory Coast this weekend, where they will aim to secure maximum points against Stade d’Abidjan in a highly anticipated CAF Champions League showdown.
Taking place at the iconic Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, tomorrow’s Group C match has significant implications for both teams as they navigate the early stages of the prestigious continental club competition.
The match is set to kick off at 6pm South African time, and anticipation is building as fans await an electrifying contest that could shift the dynamics of Group C.
With both teams on a quest for glory, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter.
As Pirates prepare to battle it out on the West African stage, their confidence is buoyed by an impressive start to the tournament.
The Sea Robbers currently sit on four points from their opening two matches – an away triumph over Algeria’s CR Belouizdad and a hard-fought draw against Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly.
In stark contrast, Stade d’Abidjan find themselves desperate for points after suffering defeats in both their encounters with Al Ahly and Belouizdad, leaving them at the bottom of the group and eager to notch up their first win of the campaign against the South African side.
Midfielder Miguel Timm, recently returned to action following an injury layoff, expressed the Pirates’ determination to maintain their positive momentum.
“We are going there with the same confidence as we opened this group stage, and we have the quality to do so and are looking forward to it with no fear – as we have shown in the past two games,” Timm stated in a recent media briefing.
The Pirates’ resolve is amplified by their underdog status in this match-up.
While Timm candidly acknowledges that the team aren’t viewed as the favourites, he believes this could play to their advantage.
“I don’t think we are the favourites, to be honest. But it eases the pressure off us, and allows us to express ourselves more easily,” he shared, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure when competing on such a significant stage.
The historical context of this match adds an intriguing layer to the rivalry.
Both clubs boast a rich heritage: Stade d’Abidjan was founded in 1936, just a year before Pirates came into existence in 1937.
Each team have tasted the glory of the Champions League once, with the Ivorians lifting the trophy in 1966, while Pirates claimed victory in 1995 after defeating fellow Ivorian club ASEC Mimosas in the final.
Thirty years later, and the Soweto giants have a new breed of talent at their disposal under coach Jose Riveiro, seemingly ready to repeat the historical prestige of that 1995 win.
With a youthful attacking unit led by the generational talents of Relebohile Mofokeng, who is supported by Patrick ‘Tito’ Maswanganyi and Monnapule Saleng, the Buccaneers are tipped to be able to get the job done not just in Abidjan, but possibly go all the way as well.