Orlando Pirates will look to write more history by adding another star to their badge as they prepare for battle in their CAF Champions League second leg semi-final fixture against Esperance of Tunisia. With the clash set to take place this Saturday at the Stade Olympique in Rades, the home ground of the Tunisian giants, the stage is set for an intriguing battle. Former Pirates midfielder Helman Mkhalele who was part of the 1995 team that made history by winning this tournament believes that Pirates has an upper hand getting into this second leg by virtue of the nil all draw and the Bucs not conceding a goal....
When Orlando Pirates conquered Africa in 1995, the country was brought to a standstill as the nation saluted the newly crowned continental champions. Mkhalele says the class of 1995 had a strong mindset as they went to Abidjan to tackle the Ivorian giants, Asec Mimosa in their own background after drawing 2 all at FNB Stadium with the sole purpose of winning. Orlando Pirates went on to beat Asec Mimosa thanks to a Jerry Skhosana solitary goal and Mkhalele believes the current crop will need an element of luck, aided by mental resolve...
A lot will be at stake because the team that will go all the way to the final and win it is set to compete at the World Cup Championship with the likes of current European Champions Bayern Munich of Germany and South American champions, Atlético Mineiro of Brazil. It is disappointing to note that many South African supporters do not recognise the significance such competitions as seven times winners Al Ahly of Egypt and two time winners Esperance came to play at nearly empty stadiums with many of the fans opting to stay at home. Mkhalele says the sooner people realise the importance of such tournament the better for our teams because they need the supporters to come in their thousand in order to boost the home team and intimidate the visitors....
Mkhalele says people involved in football have to be bold enough to face the challenges currently dogging our country and added that we need to have new people writing their own history in South African football, extending beyond our glory years of 1995/96....Journalist: Jefferson Lupuwana