Orlando Pirates striker Tshegofatso Mabasa has explained why he’s “not worried” about Jwaneng Galaxy coach Morena Ramoreboli’s familiarity with the Buccaneers squad ahead of their CAF Champions League clash.
The Sea Robbers will face the Botswana side in the second preliminary round, aiming to secure a place in the group stage. The first leg takes place on Saturday, 14 September at 4 pm at Botswana National Stadium in Botswana.
This could be a chance for revenge for Ezimnyama Ngenkani after being eliminated by the same opponents in the previous season.
In the past few weeks, Galaxy coach Ramoreboli indirectly suggested his previous experience working with a handful of Buccaneers players could give him a tactical advantage.
This includes the striker Mabasa who has been on song this season. He was mentored by Ramoreboli in the junior ranks at Bloemfontein Celtic.
Mabasa insists that tactics and on-field performance will ultimately determine the outcome.
TSHEGOFATSO MABASA SAYS THE GAME WON’T COME OUT AS RAMOREBOLI WISHES
“Yes I had the opportunity to work with coach Morena from development at Celtic. I also worked with him in the COSAFA team last year as well,” said Mabasa.
“He’s a coach that I know quite well and obviously he knows me as a player. But this is a completely different phase.
“I’ve grown as a player, there’s a lot more tactics involved. The game won’t be the way that you expect.
“You can study all you want but what happens on the day it’s entirely up to the player himself and the tactics on the day.
“So, we’re not really worried about that. We will go out there and give it our all.”
Mabasa went on to praise Ramoreboli, acknowledging his coaching acumen and highlighting the opportunity Jwaneng Galaxy provided him to showcase his skills.
MABASA PRAISES GALAXY COACH
“Coach Morena is not anyone I’ve doubted before, I’ve always believed that he’s a good coach,” he added.
“He just needed to be given an opportunity. I think Jwaneng did that and they’re reaping the rewards of his hard work.”
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