Orlando Pirates midfielder Bandile Shandu has warned his teammates ahead of their showdown against Moroccan outfit RS Berkane in the Caf Confederation Cup on Friday, calling everyone to be fully focused on lifting the title because winning trophies is in the Buccaneers’ DNA.
Pirates had a difficult path making it to the final. However, they overpowered Tanzanian giants Simba and Libyan outfit Ahli Tripoli in the quarter-finals and semis.
“The occasion itself is big; it needs everyone to step up more than in the previous games. To win, we need to be on top of our game, and we need to be fully focused. As long as everyone brings their A-game, we’ll do very well,” Shandu told the media.
“When you get to a team like Orlando Pirates, it’s all about winning trophies; it’s in the club’s DNA. We have to at least a silverware each season to keep the supporters happy. We’ll try and fulfil that and get the silverware home.”
“We are coming from a setback; we lost our last match at home. Our main focus now is getting ready to go to Nigeria and do the business; it will be a difficult match; Berkane is a good side with a good coach.”
The 27-year-old described the mood as great in the camp as they are almost done with preparations.
“The mood in the camp is training is good (as you can see),” Shandu said. “Everyone is motivated; the management, the technical team and the players. We are positive and got a good feeling it will go our way. We have to stick to the plan and follow instructions; then we are good to go.”
Kickoff at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is at 21:00.
