Johannesburg – Orlando Pirates coach Abdeslam Ouaddou says his side has the quality and determination to overcome Mamelodi Sundowns when the two clubs meet in the MTN8 semi-final second leg tomorrow.
The clash is set for Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville on Saturday at 3pm. The Buccaneers carry a slight advantage after last weekend’s 1-1 draw at Orlando Stadium. A win, or a scoring draw of two goals or more, will secure them a place in the final. Sundowns, however, only need a goalless draw to advance on the away goal rule.
Ouaddou, speaking to the media during a press conference at the PSL offices in Parktown, Johannesburg on Thursday, admitted that his players face a tough test against the Brazilians but said they were ready for the challenge.
“We had a great game in the first leg. Both teams played good football. Now it’s about mentality. We want to go into this game with a lot of ambition,” he said.
Pirates enter the match boosted by their midweek league win against Stellenbosch FC at Orlando Stadium – their first league victory of the season. Ouaddou believes that momentum will help his side push for a result in Pretoria.
“We know it won’t be easy because we’re not at home, but we’ll find the resources to get through. We have a title to defend as Orlando Pirates and the boys are ready to perform,” he added.
The coach will once again rely on Kamogelo Sebelebele, who scored the equaliser in the first leg against Sundowns and struck the winner against Stellies this week.
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