Orlando Pirates legend Siyabonga Sangweni has revealed what the Buccaneers coaches must avoid in the CAF Champions League.
The group stages campaign commences on Tuesday, 26 November, with all teams playing the same day.
The last time Ezimnyama Ngenkani were in this stage was in the 2018/19 season where they failed to advance to the next round.
This season, they brushed aside Disciples FC and Jwaneng Galaxy in the first preliminary round and second preliminary round, respectively, to make it to group stages.
They are pitted against Khanyisa Mayo’s Belouizdad [Algeria], Al Ahly, where Percy Tau plays his football in Egypt and Stade d’Abidjan [Ivory Coast].
Sangweni acknowledges the significant difference between domestic and continental football, saying the Sea Robbers will be tested more in Africa.
The retired centre-back says in these kinds of games, the Soweto giants’ technical team doesn’t have to be aggressive with players. Rather, they need to encourage the team considering the challenges that come with playing outside the country or with opponents they are not used to.
SANGWENI REVEALS WHAT PIRATES COACHES MUSTN’T DO IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
“The players must know what they want and what they are going there for,” said Sangweni during the interview with FARPost.
“It’s not going to be easy, it’s going to be difficult. But they need to work hard as a team. They need to support each other as players.
“Another thing coaches should play a big role in encouraging the players because Africa is not easy. They mustn’t fight them, but they need to encourage them. It’s not an easy environment.
“But the way they’re performing currently, I believe they have what it takes to deliver. We expect positive results.”
Pirates take on CR Belouizdad on Tuesday, 26 November at 20 August 1955 Stadium at 9 PM in Algiers.
Meanwhile, Mamelodi Sundowns, the other South African side in the competition, will welcome Maniema Union [Mali] on the same day at Loftus Versfeld Stadium at 6 PM.