Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele says they will be counting on the support of the home fans in the CAF Confederation Cup final against Morocco’s RS Berkane on Friday night because of the presence of Nigerian defender Olisa Ndah in their squad.
The two clubs clash at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the Nigerian city of Uyo, and the match will kick off at 21h00. The winner secures the title and the chance to face the winner of the CAF Champions League in the CAF Super Cup.
Ndah won the Nigerian Professional NPFL title with Akwa United in Uyo last season before moving to Orlando Pirates. Jele hopes home fans can come out to support their ‘boy’ to give them the edge.
“We must adapt to all situations. This is Africa, and we must prepare to win the title,” Jele told reporters at the pre-match press conference in Uyo on Thursday.
“I hope the Nigerian fans will support us here. It will be a great match for sure. It will be a war in football, of course, and we wish the best for us.”
Pirates co-coach Mandla Ncikazi believes their knowledge of Moroccan opponents will help them defeat the 2020 champions. The Buccaneers beat Al Ahly Tripoli of Libya 2-1 on aggregate to reach the final, while Berkane’s 4-2 aggregate win against DR Club TP Mazembe secured them their place.
Ncikazi says even though the experienced Florent Ibenge coaches Berkane, their knowledge of Moroccan sides will help them triumph in the game.
“A big match between two teams … a very big clash,” the Orlando Pirates coach said at the pre-match press conference in Uyo on Thursday.
“It will be a big match against Ibenge, whom we consider a good coach, and we will try to represent our country, South Africa, well, and I expect a good match.
“We know the atmosphere and the nature of the matches against Moroccan clubs; we have faced some of them before. It will be a tough match, and we hope to win.
The Orlando Pirates trainer revealed that they will play to their strengths and will not change their style of play against the physical Moroccans.
“We will play the same way we are used to, and RB Berkane is a team that has great physical potential,” Ncikazi added.
