Orlando Pirates will have to be brave and mentally ready when they play in front of the 60 000 fans at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Sunday, says coach Fadlu Davids. Kick off is at 18h00.
The Buccaneers will take on Simba in the first leg of their CAF Confederations Cup quarterfinal.
The Tanzanian Football Federation has allowed Simba to have 60 000 fans, an increase from the 35 000 fans who were allowed entry during the Group matches.
Davids admits the encounter will require the players to be mentally fit for the challenge, but they know what kind of team they are facing.
“It’s a tough match; our analyst has already gone through their key players, their structure, the way they play,” said Davids.
“We know they are going to allow 60 000 fans in full capacity at the stadium, so we are emotionally ready number one. We have to pick the players up; we have to keep the focus on what is lying ahead.
“We will miss Paseka (Mako). I am sure he will be out of the game, but then we have to do it for him. We have to go there and be brave and put up the sleeve, roll up the face in the first leg,” he said.
